Mario Balotelli asked to explain Manchester City darts prank

Last updated : 28 March 2011 By Daily Mail

The 20-year-old Italy striker faces potential disciplinary action after it was reported that he threw at least 'one dart' in the direction of youth-team players at the club's Carrington HQ.

City will present Balotelli the opportunity to explain his reported actions, according to the Independent, which did not cause any injuries but will provoke an explanation from manager Roberto Mancini and senior club executives who are determined to curb the star's controversial behaviour.

Grow up: Balotelli, axed from italy's squad after his Europa League red card against Dynamo Kiev, was involved in an alleged training ground incident

Italy Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete is also concerned and warned Balotelli he must mature after he was left out of the Azzurri's Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia on Friday for breaching the team's new code of conduct while competing for his club.

The 20-year-old, who was shown a red card for a reckless challenge early in City's critical Europa League quarter-final second leg against Dynamo Kiev earlier this month - a tie City went on to lose - is also out of Cesare Prandelli's squad for Tuesday's international friendly against Ukraine in Kiev.

Abete said: 'Balotelli still has some problems and lacks continuity.

Looking on: Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli is determined to help Baoltelli

'He needs to mature and that has to be a personal choice.

'We hope he grows and that the focus is placed on his technical ability.

'He is a great champion of Italian football and will return to be a part of the national team.'

Prandelli has not given up on Balotelli, however.

'He has extraordinary talent but has to be consistent with his performances,' Prandelli said.

'If that is the case, he will be taken into consideration.'

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini lauded Balotelli as an 'exciting player' whose style would suit the Barclays Premier League upon completing the ?24million deal to sign the star from Inter Milan last August.

However, it is moments of indiscretion rather than magic that has peppered his stay with Manchester City.

In Balotelli's 21 appearances for City he has already picked up nine yellow cars and two reds leading to his team-mates, including Nigel de Jong, telling him to improve his behaviour.

The Europa League sending-off has resulted in his omission from the Italy squad as manager Prandelli looks to implement a new ethical code.

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Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail