Mario Balotelli has apologised for a post on social media which provoked claims of racism and anti-semitism.

The Liverpool striker shared an image from the computer game 'Super Mario' on his Instagram page on Monday which included the comment "jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew".

The image of Super Mario - with whom Balotelli shares a nickname - appeared with the heading "Don't be a racist". The text then read: "Be like Mario. He's an Italian plumber, created by Japanese people, who speaks English and looks like a Mexican," before the final line, which led to a storm of criticism.

Balotelli quickly deleted the post before defending himself on Twitter by writing: "My Mom is jewish so all of u shut up please".

But he took to Twitter again on Tuesday morning to issue a full apology after the FA confirmed it is launching an investigation.

"I apologise if I've offended anyone," he wrote. "The post was meant to be anti-racist with humour. I now understand that out of context may have the opposite effect.

"Not all Mexicans have moustache, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money.

"I used a cartoon done by someone else because it has Super Mario and I thought it was funny and not offensive. Again, I'm sorry."

Despite the apology, Balotelli could still be charged by the Football Association, with a spokesman for the governing body confirming it is looking into the post.

Under their social media guidelines, the minimum ban for race-related breaches of rules is five games.

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Balotelli issues apology for posting controversial image but Liverpool striker still facing FA rap