Mario Balotelli will fully co-operate with the Football Association after they asked him to explain why alleged anti-Semitic comments appeared on his Instagram account. The Liverpool striker has until 6pm on Friday to provide his observations in relation to a post that sparked controversy on Monday night. Balotelli reposted an image of the computer game character Super Mario which 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. VIDEO Scroll down for Brendan Rodgers responds to recent Mario Balotelli controversy Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli posted the image (left) on Instagram on Monday before swiftly deleting it
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Mario Balotelli re-posted an image on Instagram of Super Mario which included the words: 'Jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew'
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Liverpool striker then deleted the image
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He defended the post saying: 'My Mom is jewish so all of u shut up please'
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But Italian returned to Twitter on Tuesday to say sorry for the image
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Balotelli insisted it was meant to be an 'anti-racist' message
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He also said: 'Not all Mexicans have moustache, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money'
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Spokesperson for the FA says they are looking into the matter
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Balotelli could face a five-match ban if he is charged by the FA
Italian striker Balotelli posted a defence for the image on Monday night, saying his mother is @placeholder