Mancini: Liverpool players got Balotelli sent off
Published 22:29 27/11/11 By David Maddock
Mario Balotelli was at the centre of more controversy when he kicked a hole in the dressing-room door after being sent off.
And Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish warned Balotelli he must take a long hard look at himself after the Italian’s latest red-card shame. The Manchester City star kicked the door after after being sent off for a second bookable offence.
But City boss Roberto Mancini insisted that Balotelli was only dismissed by referee Martin Atkinson because of the fuss made by Liverpool’s players and the play-acting of defender Martin Skrtel.
Even though most observers thought the decision was harsh, with any contact from Balotelli looking accidental, Dalglish believes the striker only had himself to blame.
“Ballotelli got himself sent off. Sometimes you get yourself sent off. Sometimes you look in the mirror and you get the answer,” said Dalglish.
“Sometimes he doesn’t help himself and others, then maybe he doesn’t get the leeway. But I don’t think any of our boys influenced the referee in any way, shape or form.”
Mancini disagreed. Despite appearing angry with Balotelli as he left the pitch, the City boss afterwards turned his ire on the Liverpool players.
The Italian said: “The referee didn’t want to get the yellow card. Every time Mario did something, many players are walking towards the referee – I think Skrtel made a lot of the challenge.
“I have no problems with Mario, he should not have been sent off. Afterwards, he was disappointed for the card and he was angry with himself. If he damaged the door, he’ll pay – like his house! Nothing else will happen to him.”
