Balotelli in hot water for smoking on train: reports
MILAN, Italy (AFP) –
AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli reacts during the Italian serie A match between Fiorentina and AC Milan at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence on April 7, 2013. Balotelli found himself in hot water yet again as he was caught smoking on a train, reports in Italy said.
AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli found himself in hot water yet again as he was caught smoking on a train, reports in Italy said.
Balotelli was with his teammates heading to Florence for Sunday’s Serie A match against Fiorentina when the controversial forward angered a train controller.
According to press reports, the train controller approached Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani to tell him of Balotelli’s latest indiscretion.
“You have to twist Balotelli’s ear, he was smoking in the toilets,” said the controller.
“That means we’ll fine him,” joked Galliani before enlisting the help of Balotelli’s friend and teammate M’Baye Niang.
“Niang, you’re a good young lad, go and tell your friend Mario that he’s earnt himself a fine!”
If indeed Milan do fine Balotelli, it will be nothing new to the 22-year-old who only two months ago copped two traffic fines for driving without the relevant insurance documents.
He was infamous at previous club Manchester City for his ability to collect traffic fines while he has also been hit with financial penalties for his mad-cap antics both on and off the field.
During his City days he was caught throwing darts at a youth team player whilst he had training ground bust-ups with four different teammates and manager Roberto Mancini.
In December he took City to a tribunal after being fined two weeks wages, although he later withdrew his complaint.
Off the pitch he set his bathroom on fire after lighting fireworks in his home.
Milan sit third in Serie A, 14 points behind leaders Juventus but only two adrift of Napoli who sit in the second and last automatic qualifying spot for the Champions League.
Fiorentina are one place but six points behind the rossoneri.