Yellow card shown to Mario Balotelli after alleged racist abuse reversed

Mario Balotelli was shown a yellow card against Dijon for complaining about alleged racist abuse, but that has now been withdrawn

The yellow card shown to Nice star Mario Balotelli for complaining to referee Nicolas Rainville about allegedly being racially abused by Dijon fans has been rescinded, but the Professional Football League (LFP) are not taking action against the club.

Nice's Italian forward Mario Balotelli (R) talks with French referee Nicolas Rainville during the French L1 football match between Dijon (DFCO) and Nice (OGCN) on February 10, 2018, at the Gaston Gerard Stadium in Dijon, central France. (AFP)

During Nice’s trip to Djion on February 10, Balotelli approached Rainville and appeared annoyed, gesturing towards the crowd during his complaining.

Rainville responded by showing the Italian a yellow card, with Nice later uploading a picture of the referee booking Balotelli with a caption which claimed the card was issued for “getting annoyed with racist insults from the public”.

The LFP’s investigations concluded Dijon had no responsibility in the situation and therefore opted to “dismiss” the case, but they did deem Balotelli’s yellow card to be an error, rescinding it as a result.

However, Lille have not escaped punishment for the actions of their supporters, who invaded the pitch at full-time during of their 1-1 draw at home to Montpellier on Saturday.

🎥 #OGCNPSG et ses instants de génie... 3⃣/4⃣#SouvenirsSouvenirs pic.twitter.com/l6quisFDSJ

— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) March 15, 2018

The LFP have said Lille’s next home game – against Amiens on April 1 – will be played behind closed doors, with a meeting to take place on April 5 to determine the full extent of the punishment.