Mario Balotelli and Micah Richards got caught up in an altercation at Manchester City's training ground in front of a hoard of photographers.
The fiery encounter caused a number of teammates including James Milner, Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure to force the duo apart. City manager Roberto Mancini also separated the players from the session to have a stern word.
It is believed that the bust-up was prompted by a wandering pass hit by the English full-back, reacting an offensive comment from the former Inter Milan striker, according to the Daily Mail.
The Premier League leaders were preparing for their clash with Arsenal this Sunday.
