Balotelli given a one-match ban and to pay a fine of £25,000

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been given a one-match ban by the Football Association as punishment for his Super Mario post on social media.

The Italian, whose suspension comes into effect immediately, has also been fined £25,000 and must attend an education course.

 

The 24-year-old was charged under FA rule E3(1) for a post which appeared to contain anti-Semitic and racist references.

 

 

 A Liverpool spokesman said: "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.

"Any further action taken by ourselves in relation to this matter is between the club and player."

Balotelli had accepted the charge but wrote to the FA in mitigation.

The former Manchester City forward reposted an image of computer game character Super Mario on Instagram which included the words "jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew."

He later tweeted to deny the post was offensive, before apologising.