Ref justice may spark Mario exit

MARIO BALOTELLI’S agent has warned his player could quit English football over what he believes is unfair treatment from referees.

The controversial Manchester City striker is facing a four-match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the FA following a clash with Tottenham’s Scott Parker on Sunday.

The club look likely to reluctantly accept the charge and that will mean the striker’s ban will kick in straight away and he will miss tonight’s Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield, where City will try to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit.

It is merely the latest in a catalogue of incidents concerning the enigmatic Italian both on and off the field since he joined City in August 2010.

Agent Mino Raiola is adamant the 21-year-old is enjoying life at City but feels his reputation may be counting against him on the field.

Raiola, tempering earlier remarks made to Italian media, told Sky Sports: “We are not [looking to move] — our understanding has been openly declared. Mario doesn’t want to leave the club. It’s fantastic, he loves it and feels at home.

“But if every week some referee [does this] with Mario, maybe you say, ‘that’s enough’ and he goes to another country.

“But I spoke to him for a long time yesterday and although he was disappointed [about the charge] he said, ‘it’s fantastic here’.”

Raiola had earlier suggested he felt there might be a conspiracy against foreign players such as Balotelli and City teammate Vincent Kompany, who was also suspended for four games earlier this month.

He told Italian reporters: “I want to be balanced but I’m worried because when English players are involved in more serious things, nothing happens, whereas when foreigners are involved, such as Balotelli or (Belgium international) Kompany, they were treated harder.

“If I find that there is something strange against Balotelli, my duty is to protect and then take him away. In this case I would speak with City, ask them Balotelli’s price and would look for the best team for him, as there are only six or seven teams he can play for.”

Despite the potential loss of Balotelli, City assistant manager David Platt is convinced his side have the firepower to reach the Carling Cup final.

Platt said: “There are players available to play in the next games that we feel confident can continue what we have done so far this season.”

City are at least clear of injuries but they head to Anfield looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

Liverpool defended resiliently after taking an early lead through Steven Gerrard’s penalty at the Etihad Stadium a fortnight ago and Platt expects them to be just as tough despite their disappointing loss at Bolton on Saturday.

Platt said: “Kenny [Dalglish] is talking about the manner of that result, so we expect a reaction.

“It is difficult task, Liverpool are a very good team. We understand the difficulty of going to Anfield and getting any kind of result.”