Mario Balotelli banned for two matches after diving for Nice against Caen leading to player being sent off

MARIO BALOTELLI has been hit with a retrospective ban for diving which caused an opponent to be sent off.

Italian striker Balotelli tumbled to the floor playing for Nice in a league match against Caen – leading to opponent Ismael Doimande being shown the red card.

Mario Balotelli has been hit with a two-game ban by the French league for diving

But replays showed the former Manchester City star had conned the referee, and he was charged by disciplinary chiefs.

And the Ligue de Football Professional have ruled Balotelli did dive – handing him a two match ban for the start of next season.

But the 27-year-old may avoid having to sit out the opening two matches if he decides the time has come to quit France and move to another country.

Ex-Liverpool star Balotelli is out of contract at the end of the month and is considering his options with interest from France and other countries across Europe.

Balotelli has worked his way back into the Italy squad on the back of his impressive form with Nice

The LFP suspension would only kick in if he opted to remain in Ligue 1, but if he were to join another league he would be available from the opening match.

Balotelli has proved a big hit in Nice since he joined the club from Liverpool two years ago, scoring 33 goals in 51 league appearances.

His form has also seen him work his way back into the international squad and the forward himself admits he has finally grown up.

Nice have appointed former New York City boss Patrick Vieira as their new manager, and he wants the chance to sit down and talk with the player about signing a new deal.

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Vieira has said he expects Balotelli to report for pre-season training, and is keen to persuade him that he should remain in the South of France.

But there is also interest from rivals Marseille, who are looking to build a squad they believe can challenge Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance.

Marseille finished fourth last season and also reached the final of the Europa League, and it is likely they would be able to offer a better financial package should they follow through on their initial interest.

But there is also strong interest back in his native Italy, where Napoli and Roma have both indicated they would be keen to sign him.

Balotelli is out of contract at Nice but has offers from several clubs

Napoli are facing a summer of massive changes with Carlo Ancelotti coming in at the top and several key players likely to be sold.

And Roma believe Balotelli can strengthen a squad which reached the semi-final in the Champions League enough to be able to end the Juventus strangle-hold on Serie A.