Mario Balotelli facing nine-match ban

Mario Balotelli could be banned for nine games if the Football Association decide to punish him for his reckless challenge on Alex Song.

The Italian is already facing a three-match ban for his red card in the 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

It was Balotelli's third red card of the season and punishment for the challenge on Song would count as his fourth.

That would mean that a further six matches could be added to his suspension due to the FA's totting up procedure.