Balotelli Drops Appeal Against Man City

MARIO BALOTELLI dropped his tribunal against Manchester City � in a last-ditch bid to save his Etihad career. The Italian was due to appeal to the Premier League against the club�s decision to fine him �240,000 over his on-field discipline last season. But after late talks, he pulled the plug on the hearing yesterday morning. PFA chief Gordon Taylor said: �We are pleased this has been sorted. It�s not been a good situation. �It�s been unfortunate the way it has stayed festering, so we are pleased they have reached an agreement without going to a tribunal. �Hopefully, this will improve matters now between the player and the club. We shall see.� A City statement read: �After amicable talks, as a sign of respect for Roberto Mancini, the supporters and the club, Mario Balotelli has chosen to accept a two-week fine levied upon him by the club. "He has withdrawn his disciplinary appeal. Mario remains available for selection for all forthcoming fixtures.� Balotelli, 22, who was fined two weeks� wages, is a doubt for Saturday�s clash against Reading with a virus.