Manchester City’s controversial forward Mario Balotelli could now be hit with a nine game ban instead of the three he was originally supposed to serve if referee Martin Atkinson says in today’s FA hearing ( April 10, 2012) that he would have sent off the Italian striker for his rash challenge on Arsenal medio Alex Song.
During the game, Balotelli’s first half studs up challenge on Song in the 20th minute of the game went unnoticed by both Atkinson, Peter Kirkup ( assistant referee) and Andre Marriner ( fourth official) ,and he was not penalised for the incident. However Balotelli did eventually go on to collect two yellows, with a clumsy challenge on Bacary Sagna leading to him being sent off late in the game.
Mario Balotelli’s Song challenge- studs up tackle- worthy of a red card?
Because of his two yellow cards collected in the game, Balotelli has to serve a one game ban. And since it was his third red of the season, there is an additional two game suspension involved, which is why the current punishment is a three game ban.
However if referee Atkinson rules that he would have sent Balotelli off for his challenge on Song,