Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has apologised for any offence caused after he posted a controversial social media message, which was deemed racist and anti-Semitic.
The Italy international is believed to be under investigation by the Football Association after he posted an image of videogame character Mario on his Instagram page.
The image had text written across it, which said: "Don't be racist - be like Mario. He's an Italian plumber created by Japanese people who speaks English and looks like a Mexican ... jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a jew."
This morning, Balotelli addressed the controversial post by writing on Twitter: "I apologise if I've offended anyone. The post was meant to be anti-racist with humour. I now understand that out of context may have the opposite effect.
"Not all Mexicans have moustache, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money. I used a cartoon done by someone else because it has Super Mario and I thought it was funny and not offensive. Again, I'm sorry."
Reports have claimed that Balotelli could face a five-match ban if charged by the FA.
Danielle Joynson
