Balotelli Suspended for One Match,Fined £25,000 Because of a Picture hePosted on Instagram

he Italy international did not request a
personal hearing, but submitted written
mitigation to an independent
disciplinary panel, who handed out the
punishment on Thursday. Balotelli will
now miss Sunday’s Premier League clash
with Arsenal at Anfield, subject to any
appeal.
Balotelli apologised by writing on
Twitter: “I apologise if I’ve offended
anyone. The post was meant to be anti-
racist with humour. I now understand that
out of context (it) may have the opposite
effect.
“But the former Manchester City and AC
Milan star was unable to avoid a ban that
added to a troubled first season at
Liverpool for the controversial forward.
The FA said in a statement: “Following an
independent regulatory commission
hearing today Mario Balotelli has been
fined £25 000, suspended for one-match
with immediate effect, subject to any
appeal, and warned as to his future conduct
after he admitted breaching FA rules in
relation to social media.
media was abusive and/or insulting and/
or improper, contrary to FA rule E3(1).
“Furthermore, the posting was considered
to be an “aggravated breach” as defined in
FA rule E3(2) in that it included a
reference to ethnic origin and/or colour
and/or race and/or nationality and/or
religion or belief.”Mr Balotelli has also
been ordered to attend an education
programme.”