Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is no stranger to bad behavior. He’s been known to make some horrible decisions on social media as well. (See above) In what universe did Balotelli think that was a good idea? What was the possible upside to the shotgun image and “big kiss to all the haters” caption? However, the latest misstep isn’t just a bad decision or a misstep, it’s racist and Anti-Semitic, and it now places the LFC forward under investigation.
An image featuring the Nintendo character Super Mario (who was featured in Balotelli’s Twitter banner photo up until recently) was headlined:
“Don’t be racist”
and contained the text:
“Be like Mario, he’s an Italian plumber, created by Japanese people, who speaks English and looks like a Mexican. He jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew.”
It was later deleted, but still the damage was done. There is no “takesies, backsies” with the internet these days.
The Football Association has charged Mario Balotelli with an “aggravated breach”of its rules. Balotelli will be banned for a minimum of five matches if found guilty of the race-related charges he now faces.
An FA statement reads: “It is alleged the Liverpool player breached FA Rule E3[1] in that his posting was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper.”
Here’s how Mario Balotelli initially defended his actions via his Twitter account:
I just know that Those are”trying”to”kill”me for my Unlucky moment they ll need to stick with their plan even when i ll be back scoring gols
— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) December 1, 2014
( my Mom is jewish so all of u shut up please)
— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) December 1, 2014
He has since apologized.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his feature stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on KOZN 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2