Former Tottenham boss Terry Venables says Roberto Mancini needs to reign in the antics of Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

El Tel wrote in The Sun: "Parking tickets, giving away money to tramps, letting off fireworks in his bathroom and visiting strip clubs when he should be at home resting - Balotelli is becoming renowned more for his antics off the park than on it.

"City boss Mancini is right to clamp down on his headline-making star.

"He cannot let his talented frontman take liberties. For his sake, the club's sake and the sake of his player.

"There is no doubt Balo has the potential to become an outstanding footballer. And there is nothing wrong with a player who likes the ladies, a night out and a bit of a laugh.

"As long as it is in moderation and does not hinder his or his team's progress on the park.

"The way Super Mario is going on, though, he is in danger of becoming a caricature of himself. And that will only end in tears for all concerned."