Italian international supposedly threatened referee.
AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has issued a formal apology after his recent red card which resulted in a three-game ban.
The 23-year-old was sent off after the full-time whistle against Napoli on Sunday night, and despite scoring he also missed the first penalty of his career before scoring a fantastic goal.
However, his efforts were overshadowed by his behaviour after the game had concluded, with Milan deciding against appealing against his ban due to the nature of his actions.
Balotelli spoke to the Milan Channel and Sky Sport Italia on Thursday evening, and has made an effort to apologise for his behaviour.
“First of all I am sorry for my team-mates,” said Balotelli as reported by Football Italia. “They train and work hard with me, so with this gesture I left them alone. I also feel guilty for the fans, who care so much, and of course the club.
“I apologise to the referee, as I should not have reacted that way. Against Napoli it was the same old story, the fouls against me don’t seem to count and as soon as I do anything… I just want others to be punished for fouling me the same way I am for fouling them. But I do realise I have to resist in certain situations.”
The Italian international has been a topic of discussion for various coaches this week, and oddly began talking about himself in the third person.
“I made a mistake when I was provoked. Mario got it wrong and Mario apologises, but I don’t want to apologise to everyone because it’s not as if I killed someone,” he added.
Having served the first game of his ban on Wednesday by missing the 3-3 draw at Bologna, Balotelli will still miss games against Sampdoria and Juventus next month.
It is understood that there are further extracts from his statement to be published by La Gazzetta dello Sport in tomorrow’s edition.
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