Mancini slams Balotelli ban.

Question

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has hit out at the three-match ban imposed on striker Mario Balotelli. What are the details?

Answer 1

The Italian forward was absent for City's 0-0 derby draw against local rivals Manchester United after he was shown a straight red card during his side's 2-0 win at West Brom on Sunday for kicking out at Youssouf Mulumbu. The club's appeal for Balotelli's suspension to be shortened was dismissed by the Football Association, meaning the 20-year-old will also miss City's visit of Birmingham on Saturday and their trip to Fulham the week after. Mancini feels the punishment is overly harsh, and admits City missed the young striker at Eastlands on Wednesday evening.