Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been handed a £25,000 fine and one game ban following a controversial post on social media.
Balotelli posted an image of popular video game character Super Mario on social media site Instagram which has since been referred to as anti-Semitic and it has now got the controversial forward into more trouble.
Now banned for one game, Balotelli has added to manager Brendan Rodgers striking crisis as the team prepare to face Arsenal on Sunday.
Balotelli issued an apology shortly after he initially uploaded the picture and has accepted the FA's punishment without requesting a personal trial.
The image which Balotelli claims was not intended to be in any way racist but seen as a comical image has accepted his punishment and promised it will not happen again.
"It is my intention to comply with the decision of the FA and make sure it never happens again." - Balotelli on his ban by the FA
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A Liverpool spokeperson has been speaking to Sky Sports and has confirmed that the club will give the penalty due consideration.
"The club acknowledges the decision reached by the independent panel and due consideration will be given to the written judgement once we receive it from the FA."
It has been a bad year for the Italian who has struggled since moving to Merseyside, scoring only two goals since his return to England.
Balotelli will now be unavailable for Liverpool in their crunch match with Arsenal at the weekend as the reds look to capitalise on their win at Bournemouth on Wednesday night in the Capital One Cup.
Fall from grace
Balotelli was one of Brendan Rodgers summer signings this year and has been heavily criticised for his lack of goals.
Liverpool are struggling this year as they sit 11th in the Premier League and have already been eliminated from the Champions League.
The Reds are without a win in their last two Premier League games including last week's 3-0 loss at Old Trafford to rivals Manchester United.
As Liverpool enter the typically busy Christmas period they will be looking to get a big win over Arsene Wenger's men.
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