The latest training ground ruck involving Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli was sparked by a stray pass, it has been revealed.

The Daily Mail says the row was triggered by a stray pass from full-back Richards during Thursday's training session ahead of this 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.