Fire starter! Balotelli puts house up in smoke after lighting fireworks in bathroomBy Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 7:04 PM on 22nd October 2011
Controversial Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has handed manager Roberto Mancini another headache with his off-field behaviour, putting his house up in flames after recklessly setting off fireworks in his bathroom.
The striker is set to face questioning from the club and Mancini to try and establish what he was doing putting himself in danger on the eve of one of the biggest games of the season.
Two fire engines were sent to the home of the 21-year-old Italy international in Mottram St Andrew, Macclesfield, just after midnight after the alarm was raised.
They found a fire in the bathroom on the first floor of the detached property.
Madness: Mario Balotelli escaped a fire at his house unhurt after setting off fireworks in his house
Unpredictable: Balotelli has had colourful spell in Manchester in his short time at the clubFour firefighters arrived wearing breathing apparatus and used two hose reel water jets to douse the flames, and a large fan was deployed to clear smoke.
A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Crews managed to put the fire out within half an hour of arriving but remained at the scene until 2.45am to prevent any possible flare-ups.
'Smoke alarms were fitted at the property and the occupiers were able to get out unharmed. The fire was caused by a firework.'
The cause of the blaze is being examined by fire investigators and police but is not being treated as suspicious.
The property sustained serious fire and smoke damage and the police were also called – in part to ensure Balotelli did not go back into the house.
The striker is said to have been reluctant to leave his belongings and, at one point, to have run back inside to recover a quantity of money and a suitcase.
Controversial: Mario Balotelli caused stir in pre-season when he tried to showboat against LA Galaxy instead of passing to Edin Dzeko
Frustration: Balotelli has had run-ins with team-mates including Nigel de JongA police spokesman said: 'At just before 1am on Saturday we were called to a report of a house fire at a residential home in Mottram St Andrew.
'Police provided assistance to Cheshire fire and rescue service as well as ensuring residents were accounted for and there was no danger to surrounding properties.
'At this time, the cause of the fire is being examined by fire investigators and the police. However, it is not thought to be suspicious.'
Manchester blues: Balotelli said in the summer he was not a fan of the city of Manchester
Run-ins: Balotelli and manager Roberto Mancini have not always seen eye to eyeBalotelli checked into a Manchester hotel and took part in training as normal at 10am.
He has recently moved from Manchester city centre and said he was living in the countryside for a quieter life.
The striker was was due to start up front with David Silva and Sergio Aguero in the Manchester derby, but these latest antics may make Mancini reconsider.
The move comes a day after Mancini said that the striker was 'changing his mentality' and putting behind him the controversies that have accompanied him since he signed from Inter Milan for £25m last year
In the summer, Balotelli caused more anger among the City fans when he said: ‘I’m not happy in Manchester, I don’t like the city. With the boss and the rest of the team I’m OK but the city is not up to my taste.’
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