Rossoneri ace set for three-game suspension after dismissal on Sunday.
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has warned Mario Balotelli that he is “no longer a child” and must grow up after his red card on Sunday.
The 23-year-old was dismissed after the full-time whistle in the loss to Napoli on Sunday night at San Siro, as he continued his protests with the referee.
It is understood that Balotelli used threatening behaviour towards the official and was in turn suspended for three games with the Rossoneri refusing to appeal the decision.
As a result, the Italian international will now miss games against Bologna, Sampdoria and Juventus with speculation in the media suggesting Italy coach Cesare Prandelli may also drop him from his next squad as part of his discipline policy.
“Mario has made a mistake, penalizing the team, club and the fans and he must change this,” Allegri said in a press conference on Tuesday as reported by Football Italia.
“Balotelli should help referees to protect him because if another player had suffered the fouls he did on Sunday then they would have whistled.
“Mario is 23-years-old, he is no longer a child and to be a champion you have to have a correct behaviour because you are an example for all those who look up to you. I hope for him he benefits from it and realizes that put team and club is in difficulty,” he added.
It is undoubtedly a setback for Balotelli and Milan, as his discipline has rarely come into question since his return to Serie A back in January.
His performance on Sunday was arguably one of his best since joining the club, as he continues to mature into an integral player for both club and country.
However, his dismissal has now somewhat soured the praise for his display, and he will now look forward to returning after serving his suspension.
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