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FA contacts Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli over controversial Instagram post FA contacts Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli over controversial Instagram post
(35 minutes later)
Mario Balotelli has been contacted by the Football Association for his observations regarding the Super Mario image he posted on Instagram and has until 6pm on Friday to respond.Mario Balotelli has been contacted by the Football Association for his observations regarding the Super Mario image he posted on Instagram and has until 6pm on Friday to respond.
The FA is considering whether to charge Balotelli for bringing the game into disrepute so will take into account the Italian’s response to the governing body’s request, and the apology he issued earlier on Tuesday.The FA is considering whether to charge Balotelli for bringing the game into disrepute so will take into account the Italian’s response to the governing body’s request, and the apology he issued earlier on Tuesday.
The Liverpool striker stated he was sorry for the post that has caused him to be accused of antisemitism and racism. On Twitter he wrote: “I apologize if I’ve offended anyone. The post was meant to be anti-racist with humour,” he wrote on Twitter. “I now understand that out of context [it] may have the opposite effect. Not all Mexicans have moustache, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money. I used a cartoon done by someone else because it had Super Mario and I thought it was funny and not offensive. Again, I’m sorry.” The Liverpool striker stated he was sorry for the post that has caused him to be accused of antisemitism and racism. On Twitter he wrote: “I apologize if I’ve offended anyone. The post was meant to be anti-racist with humour. I now understand that out of context [it] may have the opposite effect. Not all Mexicans have moustache, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money. I used a cartoon done by someone else because it had Super Mario and I thought it was funny and not offensive. Again, I’m sorry.”
On Monday Balotelli republished the image of Super Mario – a Nintendo computer game character with whom he shares a nickname – that had the legend: “Don’t be racist. Be like Mario. He’s an Italian plumber, created by Japanese people, who speaks English and looks like a Mexican”.On Monday Balotelli republished the image of Super Mario – a Nintendo computer game character with whom he shares a nickname – that had the legend: “Don’t be racist. Be like Mario. He’s an Italian plumber, created by Japanese people, who speaks English and looks like a Mexican”.
Balotelli’s apology was a softening of tone after his initial reaction to criticism. “My Mom is jewish so all of u shut up please,” he wrote on Monday in reference to his foster mother, Silvia.Balotelli’s apology was a softening of tone after his initial reaction to criticism. “My Mom is jewish so all of u shut up please,” he wrote on Monday in reference to his foster mother, Silvia.
Balotelli on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/VAcSxgmBWLBalotelli on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/VAcSxgmBWL
One Jewish leader has condemned Balotelli actions and impressed upon him the need to “be more careful”.One Jewish leader has condemned Balotelli actions and impressed upon him the need to “be more careful”.
“It is incredibly offensive. We know it’s patently untrue and it’s reinforcing a stereotype,” Jonny Wineberg, vice-president of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, told the Manchester Evening News. “Comments like that have no place from anybody but he will be aware that someone like him, in the public eye, will be paid attention to. He should be more careful.”“It is incredibly offensive. We know it’s patently untrue and it’s reinforcing a stereotype,” Jonny Wineberg, vice-president of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, told the Manchester Evening News. “Comments like that have no place from anybody but he will be aware that someone like him, in the public eye, will be paid attention to. He should be more careful.”
Balotelli is not available for Liverpool’s trip to Leicester City on Tuesday evening because of a groin injury.Balotelli is not available for Liverpool’s trip to Leicester City on Tuesday evening because of a groin injury.
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