Mario Balotelli Defends Controversial Instagram Post Ahead of FA Deadline

Mario Balotelli has been charged by the FA for his controversial Instagram post.

Continue for updates.

Friday, Dec. 5

Ballotelli Charged by FA

The FA has charged Mario Balotelli regarding his controversial Instagram post, according to a statement released by the association on Friday:

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Mario Balotelli has been charged by The FA in relation to a recent posting on social media.
It is alleged the Liverpool player breached FA Rule E3[1] in that his posting was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper.

It is further alleged that this is an ‘Aggravated Breach’ as defined by FA Rule E3[2] as it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief.

The player has until 6pm on 15 December 2014 to respond to the charge.

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Balotelli Highlights Examples of Abuse Aimed in his Direction

According to Dominic King of the Daily Mail, Balotelli leaned on his own experiences when he submitted his defence to the FA prior to Friday's deadline:

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Mario Balotelli has submitted examples of the discrimination he has suffered as he seeks to avoid an FA charge over an allegedly anti-Semitic and racist message he posted on Instagram.

The Liverpool striker has until 6pm on Friday to provide his observations to The FA.

[...] Balotelli will give his full co-operation to the FA during the course of any investigation and, in mitigation, will provide evidence of how he has been abused on social media during his career.

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Should Balotelli fail to successfully convince the FA that his Instagram post carried no intent to offend, he could face a ban or heavy fine.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

PFA Comments on Mario Balotelli Post

The Professional Footballers' Association has commented on the social media activity of Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli after he posted a controversial image on Instagram.

The organisation posted a statement on its official website, explaining that it "strongly condemns all discriminatory language," before going on to add:

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We are working with clubs and The FA to ensure players are aware of the impact of inappropriate and unacceptable language regardless of the forum. Our club meetings and Senior Player Diversity Programmes serve to educate and inform our members in the areas of equality and diversity with a strong emphasis on the misuse of language.

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Balotelli's post featured a depiction of cartoon character Super Mario—after whom he is nicknamed—along with comments relating to his diverse background, the last of which was seen as antisemitic.   

101GreatGoals published an image of the Instagram post, which was swiftly taken down by the Reds frontman (Warning: NSFW language):

Since then, Balotelli has apologised for the incident, taking to his official Twitter account to post this message:

Despite the deletion, social media is very much a permanent platform in the modern world and the Football Association will have its say in Balotelli's punishment, should it wish to remand him.

Just when Brendan Rodgers' season looked to be suffering already, Balotelli has failed to help the cause by once again igniting controversy off the pitch.