Mario Balotelli hit with fine and suspension but the Liverpool player shows real maturity

Balotelli.  Mature.  Two words you wouldn't have thought of in the same sentence unless they were separated with 'is not'.

The Italian has been issued with a one-match suspension for his recent Instagram post which was regarded as carrying racist and anti-Semitic connotations. The striker will miss Liverpool's clash with Arsenal on Sunday and he has also been hit with a £25,000 fine by the FA. The Anfield club came out with a statement this evening, remaining pretty tight lipped on the subject: "The club acknowledges the decision reached by the independent panel and due consideration will be given to the written judgement once we receive it from the FA.  Any further action taken by ourselves in relation to this matter is between the club and player." Mario was more forthcoming with his remorse though and he was quick to post out another classy - that's right, classy - apology over the matter.  Considering it was more foolish than it was sinister, we think it's genuinely big of him to take the road he's currently on.

Following the recent events related to my “Super Mario” post, the FA decision has made clear that it was wrong... pic.twitter.com/hHgJTcAAfK

— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) December 18, 2014

The only thing we take issue with? We wouldn't exactly say that your team mates or supporters are being penalized over this, Mario. If anything, they're probably thankful.