FROM THE SIDELINES
Roberto Mancini cast maverick striker Mario Balotelli out of Manchester City training because of the Italian star’s poor work ethic. Mancini is so upset with Balotelli’s attitude that he blocked him from even being in the team hotel before last weekend’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur. ‘‘I told him after training on the Saturday that he was not in the squad,’’ Mancini said. ‘‘I took this decision because he didn’t work well for three days and I don’t like this. It is his attitude in training I’m talking about. He needs to work harder. If a player does not work well then he does not deserve to play.’’ Bitter London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have struck an agreement to instantly eject abusive fans. Before this morning’s clash at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium the clubs have issued a warning and a text message hotline number to identify and expel those guilty of abusive behaviour, including foul or racist language. The messages are sent straight to the club’s control room to stewards who then identify the culprit. It is an attempt to curb a recent spate of high-profile abuse cases, on and off the pitch. Swedish captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Liverpool star Steven Gerrard should move overseas for the benefit of the England national team. Ibrahimovic, who scored a spectacular 30-metre overhead kick in a 4-2 win over England last week, says it’s time for Gerrard to move to a big international club. ‘‘Steven Gerrard is respected throughout Europe and is always the player the coach says to be careful with because he is the one that makes the difference,’’ Ibrahimovic said. ‘‘But, although of course Liverpool is a big club, I would like to see Steven at a big international club. I would like to see that also for England because it is very exciting when someone goes abroad and shows who he is in another competition.’’ The Football Association has put back its investigation into the Mark Clattenburg race row. Referee Clattenburg has been accused by Chelsea of using inappropriate language towards midfielder Jon Obi Mikel in the club’s 3-2 loss to champions Manchester City last month. The decision will be revealed this week. Clattenburg has opted out of officiating while the process is ongoing.