Mario Balotelli expresses regret over red card incident

AC Milan’s forward Mario Balotelli reacts after missing a penalty shot during the Serie A football match AC Milan vs Napoli

Mario Balotelli has apologised to his team-mates over a red card he received in AC Milan’s 2-1 home defeat to Napoli which also saw him miss the first penalty of his career, according to reports from Skysports.

Also apologising to match officials, the Italian striker added that he was provoked into his actions. Balotelli was sent off for arguing with the referee during Sunday’s home game and suspended the following day. Milan have decided against making an appeal to contest the three-match ban.

“I apologise to my team-mates, who train hard every day. I also apologise to the referee,” the striker told Sky Sports Italia.

Roberto Mancini, under whom Balotelli spent his days at Manchester City, has cautioned him to get a rein on his temper.

“There is only one way to end this and that is for Mario to learn to resist those anger attacks,” the Italian manager told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Balotelli’s tempestuous career has seen his reputation as a formidable force in  attack being shadowed by his inability to control his temper tantrums.