Balotelli likely to be banned for nine games after foul play on Song

London, Apr 10 (ANI): Mario Balotelli is likely to face a nine-game ban after the Football Association revealed that they are deciding whether to punish him for reckless tackle on Arsenal's Alex Song, which referee Martin Atkinson missed, in the Sunday match.

If the offence is counted, it will amount to his fourth red card of the season. Balotelli is already facing revolt from his club team-mates and manager Roberto Mancini, who are considering on dropping him off the team this summer, the Daily Mail reports.

He issued an apology to Macini through his agent amid the backlash from his team-mates.

His team-mate allegedly described how players are 'sick and tired' of Balotelli's conduct, while another said they don't trust him and want Mancini to sell him at the end of the season.

Mancini, who at the start of the season was determined to protect Balotelli, has seemingly lost patience over Balotelli's consecutive ill performances on the field.

"I'm going to speak directly with Roberto and with the club, but I don't think they will really do it," Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola said. (ANI)