Mario Balotelli has been given a one-match suspension by the Football Association for a provocative post on social media site Twitter.
The Liverpool striker Tweeted a controversial post regarding racial stereotypes recently and the FA have moved to ban him for one match as well as handing down a £25,000 fine and warning him about his future conduct.
Balotelli returned to action in the 3-0 loss to Manchester United last weekend after a month out with a groin injury but will now be forced out of Sunday's home clash with Arsenal.
A Liverpool spokesman confirmed the decision to Sky Sports News HQ on Thursday afternoon "The club acknowledges the decision reached by the independent panel and due consideration will be given to the written judgement once we receive it from the FA," said the spokesman.
"Any further action taken by ourselves in relation to this matter is between the club and player."
Furthermore, the FA posted the following statement on their official website: 'Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today [Thursday 18 December 2014], Mario Balotelli has been fined £25,000, suspended for one-match with immediate effect, subject to any appeal, and warned as to his future conduct after he admitted breaching FA Rules in relation to social media.
'The charge was that an image the Liverpool player posted on social media was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper, contrary to FA Rule E3(1). Furthermore, the posting was considered to be an "Aggravated Breach" as defined in FA Rule E3(2) in that it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief.
'Mr Balotelli has also been ordered to attend an education programme.'
