Mario Balotelli to give evidence of suffering racist abuse

Mario Balotelli will submit evidence of the discrimination he has faced to the English FA as part of their investigation into the "Super Mario" controversy. The Liverpool striker, who on Saturday against Sunderland will again be absent with a groin injury, was accused of racism and antisemitism earlier this week after reposting a Super Mario image on Instagram containing the words "jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew".

Balotelli was given until 6pm Thursday to give his observations to the English FA and could be charged with improper conduct over the image. The striker has apologised and his observations will include examples of the racist abuse he has suffered during his career.

The Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, has said Adam Lallana's spell on the sidelines is a consequence of Liverpool's attack needing more speed and not a reflection on his form since arriving from Southampton for €31.5m.

The England international has been on the bench for six of Liverpool’s last ten matches and completed 90 minutes in only one of the four games he has started during that spell. The 26-year-old has made 14 appearances for Rodgers’ team in total due to an ankle ligament injury suffered in pre-season training.

Lallana took his opportunity in the 3-1 win at Leicester City on Tuesday, however, bringing Liverpool level with his second goal for the club before a slight injury prompted a 70th minute substitution. While the bulk of Liverpool's €148m summer intake have so far failed to impress, and Rickie Lambert was the only new signing to start against Stoke City on Saturday, Rodgers insists Lallana's lack of playing time stems from enforced tactical changes.

He said: “Adam was excellent against Leicester and has been very good since he came in. There have been some changes within the team and tactical changes that have meant he’s missed out on some games but he is playing well. He’s got a great work-rate and he’ll make a big impact in his time here.”

The coveted Norway midfielder, Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, is visiting Liverpool this week as he considers several options to leave Stromsgodset. Guardian Service