Source: PA
Balotelli apologises for red card
Mario Balotelli has apologised to his Manchester City team-mates for his red card in the Europa League encounter with Dynamo Kiev at Eastlands.
Manager Roberto Mancini branded Balotelli "stupid" for the dismissal, for planting his studs into the chest and thigh of Dynamo defender Goran Popov.
Mancini felt the 36th-minute dismissal cost his side their chance of reaching the last eight and now Balotelli has expressed his regret.
"I am very sorry to my team-mates in particular that I got sent off so early in such an important game," said Balotelli.
"I was trying my best for the team as I always do. The ball was in the air and I went for it with my foot high.
"I never tried to make contact with Popov and I certainly didn't want to hurt him. In retrospect, however, the tackle was poor. I should have showed more consideration but I was so involved in the game.`
