MEN sports reporter Stuart Brennan says Mario Balotelli's disappointing form could be as a result of his anger at the club's decision to fine him two weeks' wages for his poor disciplinary record last season.

The Italian striker, who has courted controversy on and off the pitch since arriving in England over two years ago, is fighting to overturn a £340,000 fine and will face Manchester City chiefs at a Premier League tribunal in London on Wednesday.

"It's been rumbling on for some time," said Brennan. "It may explain why he's cut such a frustrated figure at times this season."