Keeping his head down ... Mario Balotelli won't testify in Naples court
FOOTBALL superstar Mario Balotelli is to defy an Italian court order to testify in a Mafia trial, it was revealed last night.
The Man City striker — who missed an earlier hearing — has been warned he will be forcibly hauled before a judge if he fails to show up again.
Balotelli, 22, has previously been quizzed by police about businessman Marco Iorio, who is linked to the Naples Mafia.
The star is alleged to have been seen in the city in 2010 with Iorio and other suspects.
Mafia trial ... court in Naples in the south of Italy
INFOPHOTO
Balotelli has told cops he had no idea of the men’s alleged crime links and there is no suggestion he was involved in any criminal activity.
But sources revealed last night he would NOT be attending future hearings because he was not legally required to do so and had already made a written statement.
Naples public prosecutor’s office announced yesterday: “Balotelli will appear in court on November 20, or else on December 4 or 11.
“If he does not turn up we don’t rule out forcibly escorting him to a hearing.”
Not at hearing ... City striker Mario
Former Napoli football star Ezequiel Lavezzi, now with Paris St Germain, gave evidence as part of the same case on Tuesday.
A source close to Balotelli said last night: “Mario has only ever been wanted for questioning as a witness.
“He has already co-operated fully with the police and his legal team have made it clear he is not required by law to go to hearings, so he will not be attending on any of the dates.”
Ray Winstone sticks the boot in
England blast ... actor Ray Winstone
Sportsphoto / Allstar
EXCLUSIVE By ALEX WEST
MOVIE hardman Ray Winstone has slammed England’s under-performing footie stars, saying they “should all be shot”.
The 55-year-old Sweeney actor said: “Because you are lucky to get paid the amount of money you do, doesn’t mean to say you can sit back and not give a f***
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