• Serie A

Balotelli handed three-match ban

ESPN staff
September 24, 2013
Allegri irate with Balotelli


Mario Balotelli has been banned for three matches following a confrontation with the referee after AC Milan's 2-1 defeat to Napoli.

Balotelli, who missed a penalty and scored in Sunday's match, was shown a second yellow card after the final whistle for his protests.

He will miss the next three matches against Bologna, Sampdoria and Juventus for making "insulting and intimidating comments" towards the referee, although Milan may appeal the suspension.

Milan will have their Curva Sud (south stand) shut for the next home game against Sampdoria as punishment for racist chanting during the loss to Napoli.

In February, Balotelli was subjected to racial taunts by fans of his former club Inter Milan. He kept his composure and held a finger to his mouth to signal for quiet. Inter supporters waved inflated bananas and whistled at Balotelli, who has Ghanaian heritage.

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