Just watching MOTD 2 and there talking about the Ballotelli incident. Lee Dixon think's he was off balance and didn't mean to stamp on Parker's head What the hell has he been smoking!
I actually didn't think it was meaningful, I've fallen like that many times in football, and tried to put my back foot behind me as to make sure I don't twist something. But we will never know, only person who knows is Balotelli!
It was without doubt meant! (unfortunately) the way his foot picked up pace slightly and the position his foot landed was not natural!
Just seen the incident from the front, Balotelli's face never changed and he was unbalanced...not 100% and ref cannot give it.
Just can't tell from where the referee was standing at full speed, he could still have just been trying to stay upright? I love ballotelli and his antics. What a game that was.
It may well have been a stamp but judging by his facial expression you'd say it's accidental. Completely different to Pepe's on Wednesday where you can see him actually look down then stamp on Messi's hand. I'd be disappointed if he does to get banned.
I normally give the benefit of the doubt to all people, but Balotelli backed into Parker, felt there was a presence of a player and then put his foot needlessly in the way. Another player, sensing someone was on the floor behind them, would draw their foot away, perhaps falling over in the process, but they would do it. Balotelli meant it alright. What he didn't realise was that he'd be scraping down Scott Parker's head in doing it. I'd ban him for the required amount of matches.
I think he meant it too. There seemed to be to much flick from the foot that didn't look in any way natural. I'm with second stain, ban should happen.
In my opinion the Prem could come down to the very last minute, and I bet it's down to Ballotelli and a penalty. Just might miss it ??? Never write off Sir Alex.
Balotelli is no angel that's for sure......I think it was deliberate. Although to be fair I don't think he would have done it if he'd realised he would be scrapping Parker's face. This kind of thing is creeping into the game more and more and needs to be stamped out. (Sorry about the pun) I think they need to increase the punishment for people deliberately injuring someone. Whether it be stomping or elbows or even punching three games is not enough!
Funny how the increase in this kind of incident has a direct correlation with the systematic removal of tackling from the game. Is frustration being vented spitefully instead of in committed tackles?
