Following his decision not to contest a misconduct charge for his now infamous Super Mario post on social media, Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been banned for one match and handed a fine of £25,000 by the Football Association.
Although he was always likely to miss out on Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal due to an ongoing groin strain, the 24-year is now definitely out of the match. “I am sorry that my team-mates and supporters of Liverpool FC have to be penalised for something I did and now come to regret” said the Italian striker after the decision was handed down. “It is my intention to comply with the decision of the FA and make sure it never happens again.”
Despite refusing to contest the charge, Balotelli, even after apologizing for any offense he may have caused, has maintained that the post was meant as an ironic, anti-racist gesture — something that is hard to dispute. As a victim of a number of high-profile cases of blatant racism in the past, it’s borderline comical that the FA would move so quickly to punish a black man with a Jewish mother over a post that’s more self deprecating to him than anything else while they drag their feet over cases that should be far more cut and dry.
While the 24-year old has issued another public apology, the club has maintained that any action they may take will be between themselves and the player. “The club acknowledges the decision reached by the FA independent panel and due consideration will be given to the written judgement once we receive it from the FA” read a statement from a spokesperson. “Any further action taken by ourselves in relation to this matter is between the club and player.”
