'Balotelli will be punished'
Tuesday 20 April, 2010
Inter general manager Ernesto Paolillo has pledged to “punish” Mario Balotelli for his “terrible” disrespectful gesture.
The substitute bickered with Jose Mourinho, teammates and fans during tonight’s 3-1 Champions League semi-final win over Barcelona and eventually threw his shirt away at the final whistle.
“Balotelli’s gesture was terrible. Just terrible,” said Paolillo. “It is something we are going to have to discuss.
“Will he be punished? Absolutely, yes.”
The incident marred an otherwise triumphant night for the Nerazzurri, who have put themselves in a strong position to reach the Champions League Final.
“It was a great Inter performance, a great squad and – let me add – this was Mourinho’s victory.
“Leo Messi was marked out of the game by our players and never got the opportunity to move.
“However, Barcelona remain a very dangerous side and we cannot afford to be too relaxed. We must imagine the second leg is starting from 0-0.
“If that is our mentality, then we can do it.”