Manchester City played the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS on Sunday afternoon in a friendly. What took place between Man City’s manager, Roberto Mancini, and Mario Balotelli, however, wasn’t all that friendly.
The 20-year-old Italian striker had a golden opportunity midway through the first half to give Man City a 2-0 lead, but he tried to get fancy. With no Galaxy defenders between him and the goalkeeper, Malotelli opted to forego the easy goal and try a spin move. He then shot on net … using the back of his heel.
Mancini immediately pulled the striker from the game, leaving Malotelli embarrassed and upset.
“I think for the player, this can be a lesson. This can’t happen on a strong team,” Mancini said after the match, which Man City won on PKs. “I hope he understands that he needs to have good behavior.”
Malotelli didn’t appear to take it that way, as he threw a cup on the sideline, removed his jersey and did not come out from the locker room for the second half.
At least he had that cool mohawk, though. He definitely had that going for him.
Photo of the day
Was Balotelli’s hot-dog move a good reason to pull him from the game?
Quote of the day
“I had no idea that it had happened. [Jarrod Saltalamacchia] was walking towards me. I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ He said, ‘Congratulations, 2,000 strikeouts.’ Pretty cool ovation and a pretty cool day for me.”
–Tim Wakefield, on his ovation from the Fenway crowd upon recording strikeout No. 2,000 on Sunday
Tweet of the day
The problem here is that you’re assuming that Tim Wakefield is going to retire one day.
Video of the day
Rough showing, Mario.
