It was the quintessential Mario Balotelli performance.
It had a goal, a sending off and a petulant reaction as he made his way from the pitch… Peak Balotelli.
On Sunday, Balotelli’s Nice claimed a 1-0 victory at home to Dijon, with the controversial forward scoring the game’s only goal from the penalty spot before half-time.
Everything was going swimmingly for the hosts and they were defending their lead admirably but Balotelli had one of his moments in the very last minute of normal time.
As cool as you like!
Another penalty converted in fine fashion by OGC Nice striker Mario Balotelli. ? pic.twitter.com/DlBa5Xi69v
— Goal UK (@GoalUK) November 5, 2017
A lunging tackle on Dijon defender Cedric Yambere was Balotelli’s final contribution of the afternoon as referee Olivier Thual did not appreciate the challenge and promptly gave Balotelli his marching orders.
Stunned by the sight of the red card, Balotelli remonstrated with the official before, eventually, he was convinced to leave the pitch.
As he made his way to the changing room, though, the 27-year-old found the time to scare the living daylights out of an old man who was minding his own business in the dugout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A7bSGIl8B4
Balotelli gave the plexiglass of the shelter an almighty thump and forced the unsuspecting gentleman to jump out of his skin.
“Without criticising anyone, it seems a bit harsh. He wanted to win the ball and had no intention to hurt anyone,” Nice coach Lucien Favre said of the red card.
“But it is true that a tackle from behind is a straight red. He was annoyed after the match and thought it was too hard on him. But now he’s OK.”
