MX23RW : Thursday, January 16 09:43:59| >> :60:2512:2512:

Joleon Lescott hits back at Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez critics

Lescott defends Balotelli, Tevez
© PA Photos
Joleon Lescott believes that some of the heat needs to be taken off Manchester City duo Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli.

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott believes that criticism towards Mario Balotelli is "harsh" and that the team are "grateful" for the return of Carlos Tevez.

The club's controversial strikers have hit the headlines for the wrong reasons on a number of occasions throughout the season.

Italian hitman Balotelli has been judged for his uncontrolled behaviour on and off the pitch, while Argentina international Tevez sparked outrage when he refused to play for City in September and deserted the club for months by jetting off to South America.

While the futures of both players remain uncertain, Tevez has made an impact since his return to the first team by netting a hat-trick during City's 6-1 victory over Norwich City at the weekend.

"I think it's a bit harsh to solely blame Mario," Lescott told Sky Sports News. "He's a young player and he's going to make mistakes - we all did at that age.

"We're not dwelling on the past [controversy with Tevez]. Who's to say that if Carlos had stayed he wouldn't have got injured and missed the rest of the season. We're just grateful that he's back and playing for Man City and scoring goals."

City are currently five points behind league leaders Manchester United in the table.

ID:24188: cacheID:24188:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2379:
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Mario Balotelli
Read Next:
Balotelli ready to get married?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool20145148202847
2Arsenal21127241192243
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest21125430201041
4Newcastle UnitedNewcastle21115537221538
5Chelsea21107441261537
6Manchester CityMan City2110563829935
7Aston Villa2110563132-135
8Bournemouth219753225734
9Fulham217953230230
10Brentford218494037328
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham217592741-1426
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs21731143321124
14Crystal Palace215972328-524
15Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
16Everton203891526-1117
17Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2144133148-1716
19Leicester CityLeicester2135132346-2314
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!