Rio Ferdinand: Mario Balotelli celebration was worse than Gary Neville v Liverpool

18 April 2011 14:22
Rio Ferdinand insists he was right to blast Mario Balotelli over his Wembley antics - despite claims the Manchester United star is a hypocrite.[LNB]The England centre-back was furious with Balotelli for celebrating in front of the United fans at the end of Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final victory on Saturday.[LNB] Naughty: Mario Balotelli is confronted by Anderson over his controversial celebration[LNB]Ferdinand was one of a number of United players to square up to Balotelli at the final whistle before taking to Twitter to crticise his behaviour.[LNB]He posted: 'If u score a goal+give a bit to opposing fans I kind of accept that but at the final whistle go to your own fans+enjoy it not opposing fans. If I offended anyone I apologise, emotions obviously running high.'[LNB]This drew a backlash from fans, who accused Ferdinand of double standards after Gary Neville famously celebrated in front of the Liverpool fans after Ferdinand's winner at Old Trafford five years ago.[LNB] Defence: Rio Ferdinand (left, arriving at court on Monday) claims Gary Neville's celebration was different[LNB]But Ferdinand defended himself - again on Twitter - by writing: 'All of you who are mentioning Gary Neville vs Liverpool.....he was celebrating a GOAL(my goal) not the result so re-read my tweet beforehand perlease!'[LNB]Neville said at the time: 'I would have been apologetic if I had run up to one of their players and tried to belittle them but this was a celebration. You are caught up in the moment and for a few seconds you can go bananas.'[LNB]Meanwhile, Ferdinand was in court on Monday to describe how he was left 'angry and upset' by a woman who repeatedly turned up at his home.[LNB]The 32-year-old defender was giving evidence in the trial of Susanne Ibru, accused at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court of harassment of him and his family.[LNB] PICTURE SPECIAL: How Balotelli's post-match antics sparked a stormOut of order! Ferdinand slams Balotelli after Man City star sparks Wembley riotBalotelli's wink sparks a riot: Clashes mar Man City's Wembley triumphAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Mario Balotelli Places: United Kingdom

Source: Daily_Mail