Extra Time: Balotelli hit with airport parking fine

Feb 8, 2013 2:22:00 PM

Off-the-field troubles continue to dog the AC Milan striker as a trip to pick up friends at Linate airport ends with a ticket from traffic wardens and an official club statement

AC Milan have denied reports claiming Mario Balotelli was embroiled in a "heated row" with police and traffic wardens at an Italian airport.

The 22-year-old, who had gone to Linate airport to pick up some friends, was said to have parked illegally at the arrivals area, prompting staff to ask him to move his vehicle.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italy international then pretended to move his car before parking it illegally once more, resulting in wardens issuing him with a parking ticket.

It is then claimed that an upset Balotelli became involved in an "animated discussion" with the officials, causing two passing police officers to intervene.

It then emerged that he was not displaying a valid insurance certificate in the windscreen of his car - something which is compulsory under Italian law - which led to him being issued an on-the-spot fine totalling €65.

His club released a statement on Thursday, confirming that the Italy international had been issued a parking ticket, but denying that any argument took place.

"Mario Balotelli was given a parking ticket today at Linate airport in Milan," they confirmed on their official website.

"Contrary to what has been reported by some sources, there was no argument between the parties and Mario Balotelli showed up as usual for training at the Milanello sports centre."

The former Manchester City forward has something of a chequered history when it comes to traffic offences. During his career with the Premier League champions, Balotelli is believed to have racked up more than €12,000 in parking fines, with his vehicle claimed to have been towed on 27 occasions.

Inside Goal.Com

Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants six new signings
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
Who will start for Kenya against Nigeria in Oliech's absence?
Goal.com reviews Adel Amrouche’s striking options ahead of the June 5 contest, which Kenya must win if they hope to reach the finals to be staged in Brazil
The men behind up surge of four premiership clubs
Goal.com takes a critical look at four teams; City Stars, Thika Utd, KCB and Chemelil, teams that have shown tremendous degree of competition so far this season
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley