The Italian centre forward Mario Balotelli will take Manchester City to an appeals tribunal on Wednesday, after Roberto Mancini personally sanctioned a £340,000 fine for his on-field ill-discipline.
Mario Balotelli with Roberto Mancini
The 22-year-old was fined £340,000, around 2 weeks wages, for his antics on the field during their league winning campaign. Balotelli appealed to Manchester City over the fine, but his appeals were rejected and, due to this, the hot-headed forward has taken the matter to a tribunal court case, which is to be held on Wednesday.
Roberto Mancini has for months defended the actions of his centre forward, even with it at times said to have gained tensions between the Italian manager and the clubs Abu Dhabian owners. With it being very rare of clubs going through with maximum punishments towards players, due to the number of cards awarded, it is said that the owners of the club have forced the decision to be made, because of the constant bad media that Balotelli attracts to the club.
The Manchester derby gets heated
Balotelli hit the headlines last season for incidents in a number of big games, including incidents against Arsenal, when the striker made reckless challenges against right back Bacary Sagna, and during a game against Spurs, when he controversially kicked England veteran Scott Parker in the head.
This decision made by the club has led to speculation that these are the first steps being made, that will result in the Italian leaving the Premier League champions in the January transfers window. And with Balotelli being absent during City’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle at the weekend, remaining at the training ground for solo practise, how long will it be until we see the departure of Mario Balotelli?
Mario Balotelli montage
