Balotelli Apologises Over 'Anti-Semitic' Pic

Liverpool and Italy player Mario Balotelli has apologised after posting a picture online which was labelled racist and anti-Semitic.

Quickly deleted from the player's Instagram page, the internet meme shows Nintendo character Super Mario and contains the words "jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew".

As criticism mounted, Balotelli wrote on his Twitter page: "My Mom is jewish so all of u shut up please."

But he later tweeted an apology, saying: "I apologise if I've offended anyone.

"The post was meant to be anti-racist with humour. I now understand that out of context may have the opposite effect. Not all Mexicans have moustaches, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money."

The Football Association has begun an investigation into possible misconduct and asked Balotelli to comment on his actions.

The minimum FA ban for a race-related offence is five matches.

The Professional Footballers Association said in a statement: "The situation regarding Mario Balotelli's Instagram post... highlights how vigilant players need to be in all of their dealings with social media.

"We strongly condemn all discriminatory language used in any context. We are working with clubs and the FA to ensure players are aware of the impact of inappropriate and unacceptable language regardless of the forum."

A spokesman for Liverpool said: "We are aware of the posting which has since been promptly deleted by the player.

"We will be speaking to the player about the issue."

It is the latest controversial incident involving the 24-year-old and the image prompted several accusations of racism on social media.

One Twitter user, @TomEllis98, said in response to the post: "Does Balotelli realise what he put on Instagram is racist?"

Another, @gedbrand10, wrote: "Mario Balotelli faces investigation by the FA for an anti-Semitic post on Instagram earlier today. He'll never, ever learn."

Other Twitter users were more sympathetic to the player.

One, @coutinhoIogy, wrote: "Not for a second suggesting Balotelli is racist, not by a long shot. Most likely an honest mistake, at worst just him being a bit daft."

While Balotelli has previously attracted numerous headlines for his actions on and off the pitch, he has spoken out against racism in the past.

Speaking amid fears of racism during the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine, he said: "I will not accept racism at all.

"It's unacceptable. If someone throws a banana at me in the street, I will go to jail, because I will kill them."

It comes after Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan was charged by the FA over comments he made about Jewish and Chinese people .