Anti-discrimination body Kick It Out has expressed its "shock" at the decision to book Mario Balotelli for complaining about alleged racist abuse in a Ligue 1 game over the weekend.
The former Manchester City, Liverpool and Italy striker was shown a yellow card by referee Nicolas Rainville in the second half of his club Nice's match against Dijon on Saturday night after he tried to draw the official's attention to the conduct of home fans.
"Kick It Out was shocked to see Mario Balotelli booked for bringing to the attention of the referee alleged racist chanting directed towards him by Dijon supporters," its statement read.