Mario Balotelli was sent off the pitch seven minutes after coming on as a substitute in Brescia’s draw with Cagliari in Serie A.
Balotelli came off the bench after 74 minutes. The Brescia striker was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Cagliari’s Fabio Pisacane.
He was then immediately shown a second yellow card for his angry reaction, swearing and insults to the referee.
Brescia battled to hold on in the final nine minutes to secure a point. But a suspension for their star striker and another draw is the last thing they needed.
The red card marked Balotelli’s 13th career dismissal. He is the only second player in Europe’s top five leagues to be dismissed in each of the past four seasons alongside defender Jemerson.
“It was an unfortunate incident. We all thought the initial yellow card was harsh. He jumped for the ball and didn’t see the defender coming up behind him.” Said Eugenio Corini, Brescia’s coach.
“It was a pity as we were down to 10 men for the final 10 minutes and were unable to count on the resource that is having Balotelli in the team.”
The striker will now miss Friday’s game against his former club, AC Milan through suspension.
The 29-year-old Balotelli has scored five goals since he joined Brescia in August. He joined the club on a free transfer from Marseille this summer. Galatasaray was reportedly interested in landing the big forward too.
However, he insisted he is “committed” to Brescia and would stay. But the latest controversial moment is no help in the newly-promoted side’s battle.
This has resulted in Brescia president, Massimo Cellino saying Balotelli is free to leave his hometown club in January because he is not suited to a relegation fight.