Ancelotti hopes for Balotelli bonus

City boss Roberto Mancini is considering dropping the forward following his "stupid" sending off in Thursday night's Europa League game against Dynamo Kiev.

Balotelli on Friday issued a formal apology to his team-mates for the costly red card, earned for planting his studs into the chest and thigh of Dynamo defender Goran Popov.

It remains to be seen whether the 20-year-old's contrition proves enough for him to keep his place but Ancelotti hopes not.

"He's a fantastic player so I'd prefer him to stay out," Ancelotti said.

"Technically, he's one of the best players out there."

Source: PA

Source: PA