Balotelli suspended 1 match for controversial Instagram post

Mario Balotelli's off-the-pitch antics continue to plague his career.

The Football Association announced Thursday that Balotelli has been fined £25,000 and suspended for one match with immediate effect over the controversial image he recently posted to Instagram. He was also warned as to his future conduct and ordered to attend an education programme.

The image, which depicted Nintendo character Super Mario and has since been taken down, read: "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."

Specifically, the post was deemed to be an "Aggravated Breach" by the FA, as it included a "reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief."

Balotelli had submitted a written mitigation to the FA with the hope he would receive a fine instead of a suspension - a move that obviously did not work.

Since arriving at Anfield at the end of August, Balotelli has become a scapegoat for Liverpool's struggles. He's yet to score a Premier League goal for Brendan Rodgers's side, who sit 11th in the league table and were eliminated from the Champions League earlier this month.