Mario Balotelli's already-troubled week took a turn for the worse on Thursday when police confirmed they are investigating a report the Liverpool striker threatened a woman said to have taken photographs of his car.

Balotelli is understood to have been visiting his mother's home in Manchester when the alleged incident took place.

The woman called police at 1405GMT to report the Italy international had approached her in "a threatening way" after he noticed her taking the photographs of his Ferrari shortly after he parked the car.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "We are investigating a report of threatening behaviour following an incident in Wythenshawe.

"Officers will be speaking to all concerned in due course."

Balotelli had already earned negative headlines on Wednesday when he angered Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers by swapping shirts with Real Madrid defender Pepe as the pair walked down the tunnel at the end of the first half of a Champions League tie at Anfield.

The 24-year-old was replaced in the second half of Liverpool's 3-0 defeat after another lacklustre performance and Rodgers said he would speak to Balotelli about his antics.

Balotelli, who has caused controversy on and off the field throughout his chequered career, has scored only one goal in 10 appearances since his move to Anfield from AC Milan in August.