Mario Balotelli, Manchester City's striker and head coach Roberto Mancini were caught up in a dispute that turned physical during practice on Thursday.
The two were photographed despite having practice closed off to the media, but the open stadium allows pedestrians to see what's going on. As soon as we find an image of the altercation we will let you see them.
According to Sports Illustrated, Balotelli placed a hard tackle on a teammate and Mancini went off. He shouted at Balotelli and then grabbed him by his training bib and then they were separated.
This incident can't be good for Balotelli who's had a rough year so far with Manchester City. Rumors of his transfer have blown up all over the web as many wonder if the Italian striker will be moved or traded.
However, as Mancini has it, the owner of the team is in love with Balotelli's marketability and the 22-year-old will not be sold in January as the windows have opened.
"Sheikh Mansour likes Balotelli because he recognizes the talent and he exports the name of City over the world,'' Mancini told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. "We need to realize Mario was signed as a major investment and this is not a club that throws its capital through the window. I think Mario will stay but the future depends mostly on him.''
From a business standpoint, it can't be any clearer. However, when a head coach gets physical with a player, things could really be going sour. Either that or it's tough love.
Balotelli has had an interesting year and career since coming over from Inter Milan in 2010. Most recently, Balotelli was on the news block after a young lady claimed he was the father of her child. Balotelli didn't hesitate to ask for a paternity test.
As a team, Man City is in second place, but trailing their inner city rival Manchester United by seven points in the English Premier standings. It will be interesting to see what develops from this altercation as the Citizens prepare to take on Arsenal in about two weeks.
Maybe things will cool off by then? At least for investments sake.
