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FA demands answers after Balotelli posts offensive image

Mario Balotelli apologised for the image, which he said was intended to be funny © Getty Images

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The FA has given Mario Balotelli until Friday evening to explain why he posted an offensive image on his Instagram account.

Balotelli was accused of racism and anti-Semitism after sharing an image featuring the Nintendo character Mario which included the words "jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a jew". The image was posted on Monday evening and swiftly deleted.

An FA spokesman confirmed to ESPN that Balotelli had been given until 6pm on Friday to provide them with his "observations" on the incident, while his club Liverpool also said they would be speaking to their player.

The FA's guidelines on when to charge someone for comments made on social media state that "deleting an inappropriate posting, whilst advisable, does not necessarily prevent disciplinary action being taken". The minimum ban for race-related offences is five games.

Balotelli has apologised for sharing the image, claiming he did not realise it could cause offence.

"I apologise if I've offended anyone," he said. "The post was meant to be anti-racist with humour. I now understand that out of context may have the opposite effect.

"Not all Mexicans have moustaches, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money. I used a cartoon done by someone else because it has Super Mario and I thought it was funny and not offensive. Again, I'm sorry."

Balotelli's comments come just a fortnight after Wigan Athletic owner was embroiled in a race row after claiming that "Jews do chase money" and uttering an offensive term for Chinese people. His actions resulted in an FA charge, with Whelan also given until Friday evening to respond.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd