Balotelli Faces FA Disciplinary Action Over Controversial Instagram Post
By BBC Sport | Premier League – Liverpool
Mario Balotelli is at the centre of controversy once again after the Liverpool striker posted an image on Instagram that has been widely condemned as racist and anti-Semitic. The English Football Association (FA) has since opened disciplinary proceedings against the 24-year-old forward.
The Italian international shared a meme featuring the iconic video game character Super Mario, accompanied by a caption that read:
“Don’t be racist, be like Mario. He’s an Italian plumber, created by the Japanese, who speaks English and looks like a Mexican, jumps like a Black man, and grabs coins like a Jew.”
The post quickly drew criticism online for its use of ethnic and racial stereotypes. Although Balotelli deleted the image shortly after, the damage was already done.
In response, the FA charged Balotelli with posting an “abusive, insulting or improper” message that included an “aggravating factor” — a reference to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or belief. A formal investigation is underway, and the striker has been asked to respond to the charge.
Balotelli has since written to the FA, expressing regret for the post and hoping to avoid a suspension, reportedly requesting that the case be settled with a fine instead.
Taking to Twitter in his defence, Balotelli stated: “My mother is Jewish, so you should all shut up. My intention was to be anti-racist with humour, but out of context, I understand that it could have had the opposite effect.”
The Italian striker, who joined Liverpool from AC Milan earlier this season, has struggled to find form on the pitch and is yet to score a Premier League goal for the club. Liverpool have not commented in detail but are understood to be monitoring the situation closely and are hoping the matter will not further distract from the team’s efforts on the field.
Balotelli, who has previously faced disciplinary issues during his time in England and Italy, now finds himself under fresh scrutiny. The FA has taken a firm stance in recent years against all forms of discrimination and is expected to rule on the matter in the coming days.
