Mancini blasts Balotelli as both City and Liverpool crash out of Europe

Two goals down from the first leg of their last-16 meeting with Dynamo Kiev, City were left to play for almost an hour with 10 men after Balotelli had been sent off for planting his studs into Goran Popov’s chest and thigh.

Although the Blues did pull one back through Aleksandar Kolarov before the break, a second goal that would have forced the encounter into extra-time eluded them, leaving Mancini to claim: “If it stays 11 versus 11, we would have probably scored two or three goals.

“I didn’t see the foul properly but I am very disappointed because in a game like this it is very difficult if you pick up a red card, and you can pick up a red card for doing something stupid.

“The problem for Mario is that he thinks he could be a fantastic player. But when he does something stupid like that, it is difficult for me, difficult for him and difficult for the team.”

Although Balotelli’s suspension will not kick in until next year, Mancini must wonder how long he can maintain any trust in the 20-year-old, who for all his exceptional ability is at times an acute liability. It certainly seems the City boss has reservations about including him in Sunday’s crucial Premier League encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

“I don’t think he will be in the squad,” he said.

Liverpool exited the Europa League with a whimper after a goalless draw at home to Braga.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg of their last-16 tie, even a first start for record £35m signing Andy Carroll could not turn things around.

The Reds have not failed to qualify for Europe since 1999 but having lost the chance of entering as defending Europa League champions, they must now look to their domestic form.