Balotelli issued death threat

Milan striker Mario Balotelli reportedly threatened to kill referee Luca Branti after game against Napoli on Sunday.

The 23-year-old striker approached the referee after the last whistle and as a result was shown a red card which has cost the striker a three match ban.

According to La Stampa Balotelli reportedly said to Banti: “I will kill you, you will pay for this.”

What a charmer.

The Milan forward was thought to be furious at the referee’s decision not to award Milan another penalty kick during the game.

The club originally announced their intention to appeal against the ban, but after reading the referee’s report, they changed their mind. No wonder.

“Mario is no longer a child, he is 23 years old and he has to change,” Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said. ”He is a potential champion but he has to stop certain attitudes towards referees.

”I believe Mario has enough good sense and capacity to understand that it’s an important year and that he is in a situation in which he cannot make a mistake. Until now Mario has always behaved well. Sunday he made a mistake, I hope that will serve as a lesson to him. I believe I can give him a hand, but he needs to help himself too.”

The resulting ban means Balotelli will miss the upcoming games with Bologna, Sampdoria and Juventus.