• Premier League

Balotelli and Boateng in training ground bust-up

ESPNsoccernet staff
December 4, 2010
Mario Balotelli appeared in jovial mood before tangling with Jerome Boateng © PA Photos
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Manchester City team-mates Mario Balotelli and Jerome Boateng had to be pulled apart from team-mates after clashing during training on Friday.

The pair, both new arrivals at Eastlands over the summer, grabbed each other after Balotelli reacted angrily to a challenge from Boateng during a practice match at the club's Carrington training ground.

Three City players, including Nigel De Jong, were required to intervene to prevent the bust-up from escalating and as Balotelli attempted to return to the dressing-room, boss Roberto Mancini forced him to return to make up with Boateng.

"The incident is a reflection of the competitive edge the players apply in training," a City spokesperson was quoted as saying in the Sun. "The players shook hands at the end and there are not further issues."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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