The Italian striker etched another chapter in his short, but colourful, career after being sent off for two bookable offences during Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal which all-but ended City's hopes of winning the Premier League title.

Balotelli could also face retrospective punishment from the Football Association after escaping censure for a shocking first-half challenge on Gunners midfielder Alex Song.

The 21-year-old has already served two suspensions this season and Roberto Mancini has confirmed he does not intend to pick Balotelli again this term, irrespective of the length of his latest ban.

Mancini also admitted after the loss at Emirates Stadium that he would 'probably' look to sell Balotelli in the summer after the former Inter Milan forward's latest transgression.

Balotelli, who has been involved in string of on and off-field incidents during his two years with City, has offered an apology for his latest misdemeanour.

Respect

"I'm really sorry for what happened, for the disappointment I've given to Man City and, particularly, to Roberto Mancini, for whom I have a great respect and who I love," Balotelli told Ansa news agency.

"As for my future, we will see at the end of the season. I'll talk with the club and we will see."

Balotelli is also hoping that his latest red card will not cost him a place in Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad for the European Championship.

Prandelli dropped the player for the February friendly against the USA after Balotelli was hit with a ban for stamping on Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker in January.

He added: "I would like very much to play for the national team, but yesterday I committed two fouls - they were not reaction fouls.

"I have not broken [Prandelli's] code of ethics. I have already missed out on the national team for one stupid thing - I will not do it a second time."