Controversial striker Mario Balotelli was recently involved in a tunnel bust-up with an opposition manager – here is what reportedly took place.
Furious Balotelli Rants After Racism Row
The Italian striker recently hit out at racist chants that were aimed at him in Nice's league match away at Bastia last week, and it appears there is more to the story.
After the 1-1 draw, Balotelli was reportedly approached by Bastia manager Francois Ciccolini in the tunnel, where a foul-mouthed argument ensued.
"Shut your mouth. You don't respect anything. Go f*** yourself," Ciccolini shouted, according to Get French Football.
"Do you think I am scared of you? Screw you. Go f*** yourself. Where do you think you are?"
The boss has since come out to explain his side of the story, insisting that Balotelli insulted his mother.
"If he had insulted me, I would have said nothing. But you cannot insult my mother, who is 80 and did not do the job that Mr Balotelli was talking about," Ciccolini said.
"I am an educator. I lost my head, that is true. But my mother is 80 and she is not far from dying… That is why I got annoyed."
Bastia's fans will reportedly be investigated for the alleged racist chants that were directed at the Nice striker.
Reports: Messi To Become World's Highest Paid Player
Balotelli has scored 10 goals in 15 matches across all competitions for Nice this season.
Do you think it's understandable that Balotelli reacted the way he did after being racially abused by the away fans? Let us know in the comments section below.
