Manchester City's Italian striker Mario Balotelli, whose red card for kicking an opponent in Europa League play prompted Italy coach Cesare Prandelli to drop him from the squad for last weekend's game against Slovenia, is now being asked by Man City to explain why he threw at least one dart in the direction of youth team players at the club's Carrington training academy.

The club will give him the chance to offer an explanation before deciding what action to take. Nobody was hurt during the incident. The club appears to view the incident as a foolish prank.

Prandelli said last week: "For Mario the important thing is that he thinks about his mistakes. He's aware of this problem [with his temperament and behavior] and he's sorry for it, he's asked for help and we will stay close to him to help him with his development."