• Premier League

Balotelli submits evidence to FA over controversial post

Mike Whalley | ESPN FC
December 5, 2014
Hislop: Players need self-restraint on social media

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has submitted evidence to the FA of racist abuse he has suffered during his career as he attempts to avoid a suspension over a controversial social media post.

Balotelli has been accused of racism and anti-semitism after putting up an image of computer game character Super Mario on his Instagram account earlier this week.

The image, headlined 'Don't be racist', contained the text: "Be like Mario, he's an Italian plumber, created by Japanese people, who speaks English and looks like a Mexican. He jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew."

Balotelli, who subsequently apologised for reposting the image, was given until 6pm UK time on Friday to provide his observations to the FA, which he has done, sources have told ESPN.

The governing body will then decide whether to charge the striker with improper conduct. If found guilty, he could be banned for up to five matches.

In September, Merseyside Police investigated racist abuse Balotelli received on Twitter after he mocked Manchester United's 5-3 Premier League defeat at Leicester.

The 24-year-old, who has also played for Inter Milan and Manchester City, joined Liverpool from AC Milan for £16 million in August.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers this week stated that Balotelli remained "very much a Liverpool player," amid growing speculation about the player's future.

He has been linked with a January return to Inter Milan, although his agent Mino Raiola and Inter coach Roberto Mancini have both dismissed those reports.

This article originally appeared on ESPN FC

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