Mario Balotelli has been banned for three matches after using
"intimidating and insulting" words to the referee after AC Milan's 2-1
defeat by Napoli.
He was sent off at the final whistle after clashing with Napoli's Valon Behrami and arguing with the official.
In a typically eventful performance, the Italy striker
missed a penalty for the first time in his career before superbly
netting in stoppage time.
When Noel Gallagher met Mario Balotelli - in full
Milan may decide to appeal against the ex-Manchester City player's ban.
If the suspension is not overturned, he will miss the Serie A games against Bologna, Sampdoria and Juventus.
Balotelli, who also hit the crossbar against Napoli,
received his second booking after remonstrating with Behrami and referee
Luca Banti at the San Siro.
Italian league bosses have also ordered Milan to close
its Curva Sud stand for the next home game against Sampdoria as
punishment for racist chanting by supporters during the Napoli defeat.
It was another miserable night for the Rossoneri, who
are 11th in the Italian top flight after taking four points from their
first four matches.
Napoli, who have made a 100% winning start, led through
Uruguayan defender Miguel Britos's sixth-minute opener before summer
signing Gonzalo Higuain doubled their lead eight minutes after
half-time.
Fallible Mario
Mario Balotelli missed the first penalty of his career against Napoli - he had netted his previous 21 attempts.
Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who
joined on a season-long loan from Liverpool in the summer,
maintained the two-goal lead by saving Balotelli's 61st-minute penalty.
Balotelli, 23, was Milan's biggest attacking threat
and, after having another penalty appeal rejected, reduced the deficit
in added time with a wonderful 20-yard curling shot.
Afterwards, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri refused to comment on Balotelli's dismissal.
"I don't know what to say about the protests at the
end," he said. "It's better not to create confusion, the referee has
already made up his mind."
