Man City striker Mario Balotelli has accepted a two-week fine for misconduct, "leading to the postponement of Wednesday's planned Premier League tribunal on the issue," according to Chris Bascombe of the London TELEGRAPH. The club had handed its striker with a £340,000 ($553,000) fine for a "series of disciplinary breaches" before the Italian had appealed. A tribunal was set after the punishment was challenged, with the Professional Footballers' Association intervening on Balotelli's behalf to "argue such measures are not supported by Premier League guidelines" (TELEGRAPH, 12/19). In a statement, Man City said, "After amicable talks between the parties, as a sign of respect for [Man City head coach] Roberto Mancini, the supporters and the club, Mario Balotelli has chosen to accept a two-week fine levied upon him by the club and withdraw his disciplinary appeal" (BLOOMBERG, 12/19). In London, Jamie Jackson reported Mancini "did not drive City's action" and remains adamant that, despite the dispute, Balotelli has a future at the club beyond the January transfer window, with the Italian "resolute that he will not be leaving" (GUARDIAN, 12/19).
