Mario Balotelli’s failed trick shot sparked a heated row with manager Roberto Mancini that took the lustre off Manchester City’s penalty shoot-out win over Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday.

The Italian striker with a hot-headed reputation scored the lone goal in regulation for City but was relegated to the showers by the time the teams went to a penalty shootout to decide the exhibition match.

Mancini was incensed after Balotelli broke in on the Galaxy goal in the 28th minute and then turned backwards and tried to hit a ball into the net with the back of his foot. The ball went wide and Balotelli was pulled from the game as soon as his replacement could warm up.

“I think for the player, this can be a lesson. This can’t happen on a strong team. I hope he understands that he needs to have good behaviour,” Mancini said.

Balotelli, who has been heavily criticised before for his unprofessional antics, was replaced by James ­Milner.

Once on the sidelines, Mancini and Balotelli got into it.

Mancini appeared to motion for Balotelli to head to the locker room but Balotelli extended his arms, said something and then sat down on the bench where he slammed a cup to the turf and took off his jersey as he watched the rest of the half.

He stayed in the locker room for the second half.