Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli apologises for red card after high challenge on Goran Popov against Dinamo Kiev

Mario Balotelli – Manchester City (Getty Images)

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Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli has apologised after he was sent off in the Europa League clash against Dinamo Kiev on Thursday night.

City were dumped out of the competition after losing 2-1 on aggregate, with the Italian’s dismissal in the first half of the return leg at Eastlands not helping his team in their attempt to overturn the two-goal deficit from the game in Kiev.

The attacker saw a straight red after a high-footed challenge on Kiev defender Goran Popov and  admitted that he let down his manager Roberto Mancini, as well as his team-mates and the fans.

“It was not my intention to hurt anyone, I want to express my sincere apologies to Popov,” he told the club’s official website.

“I was trying my best for the team as I always do. The ball was in the air and I went for it with my foot high. I never tried to make contact with Popov and I certainly didn’t want to hurt him.

“In retrospect, however, the tackle was poor and I’m very sorry to my team-mates in particular that I got sent off so early in such an important game.

“I should have showed more consideration, but I was so involved in the game. It was not a good way to repay the manager who has shown so much faith in me or the owners and fans who have made me so welcome since I arrived from Italy.

“I hope they forgive me and see that I want success with Manchester City. From my injury on I have had some difficulties. It is not an easy period for me but I will overcome it with the help of everybody.”

Mancini’s side will now have to rely on their performances in the FA Cup to have any realistic chance of picking up a trophy this season.