Last updated at 6:43 PM on 22nd October 2011
Controversial Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has handed manager Roberto Mancini another headache with his off-field behaviour, putting his house up in flames after recklessly setting off fireworks in his bathroom.
The striker is set to face questioning from the club and Mancini to try and establish what he was doing putting himself in danger on the eve of one of the biggest games of the season.
Two fire crews using breathing apparatus put out the flames after being called to Balotelli's house just before 1am on Saturday to deal with what has been described as 'a substantial fire' on the first floor.
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The property, in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, sustained serious fire and smoke damage and the police were also called – in part to ensure Balotelli did not go back into the house.
Two fire crews using breathing apparatus put out the flames after being called to Balotelli's house just before 1am on Saturday to deal with what has been described as "a substantial fire" on the first floor. The property, in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, sustained serious fire and smoke damage and the police were also called – in part to ensure Balotelli did not go back into the house.
The striker is said to have been reluctant to leave his belongings and, at one point, to have run back inside to recover a quantity of money and a suitcase.
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Frustration: Balotelli has had run-ins with team-mates including Nigel de Jong
A police spokesman said: 'At just before 1am on Saturday we were called to a report of a house fire at a residential home in Mottram St Andrew.
'Police provided assistance to Cheshire fire and rescue service as well as ensuring residents were accounted for and there was no danger to surrounding properties. At this time, the cause of the fire is being examined by fire investigators and the police. However, it is not thought to be suspicious.'
Balotelli checked into a Manchester hotel and took part in training as normal at 10am.
He has recently moved from Manchester city centre and said he was living in the countryside for a quieter life.
The striker was was due to start up front with David Silva and Sergio Aguero in the Manchester derby, but these latest antics may make Mancini reconsider.
The move comes a day after Mancini said that the striker was 'changing his mentality' and putting behind him the controversies that have accompanied him since he signed from Inter Milan for 25m last year.
You have to love Mario Ballotelli the kid is a Legend its a none story its completely normal to let fire works off in Italy at football matches and in your house from bedrooms people do it all the time maye Mario was celebrateing the death of Collonell Gaddafi being shot in the head haha
- Paul Smith, Leeds, 22/10/2011 18:40
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