Exclusive Pictures Of Roberto Mancini And Balotelli's Fight During Training.

Mario Balotelli was involved in a furious shoving match with Roberto Mancini at training on thursday after the Manchester City manager ordered him off the field for a late lunge at winger Scott Sinclair.

City’s combustible Italian striker took a swipe at Sinclair towards the end of training at Carrington today and was immediately told to go in and get changed by Mancini, who is fast running out of patience with the 22-year-old.

However, Balotelli steadfastly refused to leave the field, prompting Mancini to shove him towards the touchline and attempt to physically drag him from the field.

Face off: Mario Balotelli and Roberto Mancini (right) squared off in training

 

 Mancini was furious after a mistimed tackle from Balotelli

'It looked like Mario was too strong and he couldn't get him down. Then all the coaches ran in to separate them but Mancini was having none of it. He kept trying to break free and have a go at him again.'

After the incident, Balotelli drove off in his camouflage Bentley GT.  He has a history of irritating his manager, leading to much speculation he will be sold.

When Balotelli was sent off against Arsenal last season, his furious manager intimated that it was the end of the line for the striker.

After that game Mancini said: 'I can continue to play with Mario on the pitch. Every time, we risk one sent off, like today.'

Then asked for how long he would put up with the striker's antics, he said:  'I am finished. We have six games and he will not play in the next six games (because of suspension).'

Other incidents which antagonised his manager include the time he was caught throwing darts at youth team players at the training ground and him staying up late before the Manchester derby - after letting off fireworks in his house.

The drama comes just after former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed Balotelli offered City the best chance of retaining their Barclays Premier League title.

He believes Mancini should continue to take the rough with the smooth and persist with the precociously talented striker.

'If you ever spend any time with Mario then you love Mario,' said the 31-year-old Swede, who has been no stranger to controversy himself during a 13-year career at the highest level.

'Even though he is not always the easiest player for the coach to manage, speak to any of his old coaches like Jose (former Inter and current Real Madrid boss Mourinho) and they will tell you when you work with Mario you always have a smile on your face.'

Ibrahimovic, who has netted 18 goals in just 16 games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, believes that Balotelli can inspire City to claw back the seven-point lead Manchester United currently hold over them in the title race. 

Crunch: Balotelli's tackle left a player on the floor (left), believed to be Scott Sinclair

'He is a special player and a special talent,' added the former Milan, Barcelona and Juventus man. 'When Mario plays like he can he will hurt any team in the world.

'Manchester City are already a way behind Manchester United in the Premier League – but if any player can retain the title for them it is Mario. All the class that Manchester City have I would still say Mario is the most capable.'

Stand off: City players watch on as the pair engage in their spat

Tempers: Mancini was angry after a mis-timed tackle by Balotelli

Bellow: Mancini shouted at his compatriot

culled from Daily Mail