The sister of Mario Balotelli has jumped to the defence of the Inter Milan striker.

Cristina Balotelli says the media should stop commenting on the controversy, despite the player actually calling up a live TV show to put his side of the story this week.

"There needs to be silence around Mario now," insisted Cristina.

"It isn't right for him to be under siege with preaching coming from every direction, as nobody has all the facts needed to pass judgment."