Brescia striker Mario Balotelli has defended himself on Instagram after being sent off seven minutes after coming on as a substitute at the weekend, with the Italian handed a second yellow card for insulting a referee.

Balotelli's short-lived cameo came during Brescia's 2-2 draw against Cagliari on Sunday with the striker receiving a yellow card for a high challenge on Fabio Pisacane. Incensed by the decision, he was then shown a second yellow almost immediately after launching a tirade at referee...

A Sicilian man was banned from European sports events for five years on Thursday for directing racist chants at Brescia striker Mario Balotelli.

Verona police issued the ruling after reviewing evidence from the Hellas Verona-Brescia game on Nov. 3.

The 38-year-old man was also barred from frequenting areas that fans pass through on match days.

Balotelli angrily kicked a ball high into the stands and threatened to leave the field because of the racist chants directed at him during the game in Verona,...