Balotelli ruled out of derby

MARIO BALOTELLI will miss tomorrow night’s Manchester derby after accepting his red card against West Brom but Manchester City have lodged an appeal against the automatic three-match ban.

The Italian striker was given a straight red card for violent conduct after clashing with Youssouf Mulumbu.

City are now appealing against the three-match ban but accept the red card – he had already been booked – meaning he will miss the chance of facing Manchester United.

The FA said in a statement yesterday: “The FA can confirm that Manchester City FC have today submitted a claim that, following the dismissal of Mario Balotelli for violent conduct, the standard punishment of an automatic three match ban is clearly excessive.

“The claim will be heard by an independent regulatory commission tomorrow.”