Mario Balotelli has been fined by the FA and banned for one match, following his controversial ‘Super Mario’ post on Instagram.
The 24-year-old uploaded an image which included the words: ‘jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew’, and has since accepted the punishment.
Balotelli will miss Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday, as well as being fined £25,000. The striker must also attend an education course.
He posted on his Facebook page today: “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. It is my intention to comply with the decision of the FA and make sure it never happens again.”
The forward also acknowledged the FA’s decision ‘made clear’ the post was ‘wrong.’
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.”