Balotelli says sorry

Mario Balotelli was last night forced to issue a grovelling apology for his dismissal against Arsenal after it emerged his place in the Italian national side for Euro 2012, where Italy play Ireland in the final game of Group C, was in jeopardy.

Balotelli was sent off for two bookable offences as Manchester City’s faint title hopes went up in smoke after a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

The controversial striker could also face retrospective punishment from the FA after escaping censure for a shocking first-half challenge on Gunners midfielder Alex Song.