Mancini: I would have punched Balotelli

Mancini has grown increasingly frustrated with Balotelli's bizarre antics on and off the pitch since signing the Italian from Inter Milan and he believes it shouldn't be surprising that some of City's players feel the same about such a polarising personality.

City boss Roberto Mancini (right) seems frustrated with Balotelli during a Europa League tie. PIC/Getty Images

Balotelli was reportedly involved in a dressing room row with Yaya Toure during last weekend's 3-3 draw against Sunderland and also argued with Aleksandar Kolarov over who should take a free-kick in the same game.

Mancini concedes that, during his playing days, he would have reacted just as angrily as Toure: "I can understand it. I told him, ‘If you played with me, 10 years ago, I give to you every day one punch in your head!'"

Mario at it again
Meanwhile, Balotelli was involved in a car crash yesterday, although the striker was said to have emerged unharmed.

The 21-year-old Italian's Bentley, was in collision with another vehicle in Medlock Street in Manchester city centre. Although Balotelli was unscathed, a passenger from one of the cars was taken to hospital.