Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has criticised the sending off of Mario Balotelli during their 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield yesterday (Sunday).

The Italian received a second yellow card for an apparent elbow to the head of Liverpool defender Martin Skrtl, but Mancini has said that the decision was unfair.

"There are a lot of situations like this in the Premier League in every game," Mancini said. "Mario just moved his arm and Skrtel was like a youngster. I don't think it was good.

"The referee gave the free kick but didn't want to give the yellow card. He didn't want to do anything but all the Liverpool players were going 'yellow card, yellow card' — that's my opinion.

"The second yellow card was not correct and the ref did not want to give it but every time Mario does something, many players provoke him."

City maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table, five points ahead of local rivals Manchester United.