Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has taken to Twitter to apologise over one of his posts on Instagram - which was deemed to be racist and anti-Semitic.
The 24-year-old was said to have posted an image of video game character Super Mario accompanied with a caption that referenced black people and Jewish culture before swiftly deleting it.
Whilst the Football Association will investigate as to whether the Italian's message breaches their social media rules, Balotelli has taken to Twitter to explain his intention and apologised for his actions.
"I apologise if I've offended anyone. The post was meant to be anti-racist with humour," he wrote.
"I now understand that out of context [it] may have the opposite effect.
"Not all Mexicans have [a] moustache, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money.
"I used a cartoon done by someone else because it has Super Mario and I thought it was funny and not offensive. Again, I'm sorry."
Balotelli could face a fine and a ban if he is found to be guilty