Mancini to appeal red card

ROBERTO MANCINI admitted he will appeal against the dismissal of Mario Balotelli before targeting a victory over bitter rivals Manchester United.

Mancini watched Balotelli make a rapid transformation from hero to zero as the pressure finally eased on the Manchester City manager.

Two goals from his compatriot helped City to their first win in four matches before he was given a straight red card in the second half for a reckless kick at Youssouf Mulumbu, who was also later sent off.

It provided clear proof why Balotelli’s high-maintenance reputation has dogged his career, although Mancini is ready to appeal.

Yesterday’s win leaves City in confident mood ahead of their crunch encounter with deadly rivals United at Eastlands on Wednesday.

Mancini said: “It was very important to win going into the derby, we are in a good position. We can get second position maybe after that game.

“I’m always pleased to win. When you lose two or three games the atmosphere is not good but it’s important that we continue to work because sometimes you can lose.

“But I don’t agree with the referee. Red card, but for what? We will appeal the decision. It was not the right decision. Mario needs to calm down but I absolutely disagreed with the referee.

“He scored two fantastic goals and the red card was very harsh. I’m angry because I explained to him before the game that he needs to pay attention with the referee.”

The pressure had been building on Mancini after defeats against Arsenal, Wolves and Lech Poznan but this was as deserved as it was timely.

It leaves City in joint third and only three points behind United, a fact sure to add to the atmosphere inside the City of Manchester stadium on Wednesday.