Mario Balotelli set to avoid suspension as referee admit card error

                   

Mario Balotelli is unlikely to serve a suspension for his red card in Nice's victory over Lorient after the referee admitted that he made an error in dismissing the Italy international.

Balotelli, 26, had fired home a spectacular 86th-minute goal, his fifth in three league games, to set Nice en route to a 2-1 victory that would take them back to the top of the Ligue 1 table.

But he then tangled with the visitors' Steven Moreira deep into added time.

Balotelli, who was earlier booked for removing his shirt during his goal celebration, initially looked as if he had made contact with Moreira's head, and was shown another yellow card by referee Olivier Thual and consequently the first red card of his career in France.

The dismissal meant Balotelli would have been suspended for Nice's next league game against Lyon.

But after reviewing the incident, Thual, 40, has changed his mind, according to referees' technical director Pascal Garibian.Mario Balotelli is unlikely to serve a suspension for his red card in Nice's victory over Lorient after the referee admitted that he made an error in dismissing the Italy international.

Balotelli, 26, had fired home a spectacular 86th-minute goal, his fifth in three league games, to set Nice en route to a 2-1 victory that would take them back to the top of the Ligue 1 table.

But he then tangled with the visitors' Steven Moreira deep into added time.

Balotelli, who was earlier booked for removing his shirt during his goal celebration, initially looked as if he had made contact with Moreira's head, and was shown another yellow card by referee Olivier Thual and consequently the first red card of his career in France.

The dismissal meant Balotelli would have been suspended for Nice's next league game against Lyon.

But after reviewing the incident, Thual, 40, has changed his mind, according to referees' technical director Pascal Garibian. of course, he agreed that the two yellow cards were rushed and shouldn't have been given.The referee is available to the disciplinary committee to say this on record.

"Then it will be up to them to judge if further action is needed."

The disciplinary committee will discuss Balotelli's case on Thursday, with Nice hoping he will be exonerated and become available for the visit of Lyon after the international break.

Balotelli will have a rest ahead of that match after being overlooked by Giampiero Ventura for his latest Italy squad, but Marco Verratti expects him to be back in contention if he maintains his current form.

"He's still young and can give a lot to the national team," the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder toldRai Sport.

"I knew Mario would be reborn in France.

"Of course, four or five games isn't enough, it takes consistency. I hope he finds himself in Nice, because a player like him can help the national team."