With a tribunal on the horizon over a club-imposed fine and a rap sheet more distinctive than his mo-hawk, Mario Balotelli is fast becoming the Christmas gift Manchester City could not give away – even if they offered complimentary wrapping.
Rash tackles, sendings-offs, tantrums after being substituted and the infamous ‘Why Always Me?’ undershirt have been the on-field norm for the Italy international since he joined City from Inter Milan in August 2010.
His off-field antics have been equally as colourful as the cards he has been shown during his two years at the Etihad Stadium, especially his new camouflaged Bentley and his well documented clash with fireworks in his bathroom.
But despite boss Roberto Mancini displaying more patience than a seasoned Buddhist monk, it now appears Balotelli will be sent packing after reports emerged he was disputing a club imposed fine of two-weeks’ wages for last term’s misdemeanours.
Media outlets say the 22-year-old striker was docked 340,000 pounds ($548,100) in wages when City’s tolerance was finally broken after he received his third red card of the season during a 1-0 loss away to Arsenal in April. Manchester City nor the Premier League, when contacted by Reuters, would confirm details of Balotelli’s hearing which is due to take place in front of an independent tribunal in London on Wednesday.
During their Premier League title-winning season last term, Balotelli missed 11 of Manchester City’s 54 competitive games. In total, he was banned for six domestic league, two League Cup and three Champions League fixtures.
Balotelli, whose internal club appeal was unsuccessful reports say, will be accompanied at the tribunal by his lawyer and a representative from the Professional Footballers’ Association. Legal representatives for City will also be in attendance.
