Manchester City Striker, Mario Balotelli's New Burst-Up With Micah Richards

Mario Balotelli was at the centre of another bust-up with one of his own team-mates on Thursday.

The fiery Manchester City striker was involved in a furious spat with Micah Richards at their Carrington training ground. In what is another embarrassing episode involving the controversial Italian, the pair had to be restrained by their team-mates in front of stunned onlookers - and waiting photographers.
 
Sportsmail understands that the row was triggered by a stray pass from full-back Richards during Thursday's training session ahead of the weekend's crunch Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal.

Balotelli is believed to have reacted with a comment aimed at the defender, who then lost his cool and attempted to launch himself at the striker. Several players, including James Milner, Yaya Toure and captain Vincent Kompany, had to battle to keep the two players apart.

They were then brought together by manager Roberto Mancini for a stern lecture in front of team-mates, who are now fully accustomed to Balotelli's unpredictable behaviour.
 
Richards attempted to play down the row on Twitter afterwards by posting: ‘Me & mario are all good! these things happen in training & we shook hands after. it shows passion! #ctid’