Balotelli, who wore a T-shirt saying "Why always me?" in October's 6-1 win at Manchester United after a string of on and off-field antics, was in the headlines again as newspapers published photographs of a bust-up with team-mate Richards.
"I asked him: 'Why always you?'," Mancini told a news conference.
"He said: 'Because he didn't pass the ball to me' but that was a really stupid thing, for nothing, but after 10 minutes it was finished.
"It was nothing, nothing special, this happens in every sport sometimes when you play a little match."
Mancini said it was only to be expected in an environment where emotions run high and, when asked if he had been involved in similar incidents in his playing days, replied: "Always!
"When you play a football match eight against eight and you put passion in this match sometimes it can happen. Not every week, but often. Mario and Micah are very good friends.
"He is the king for this," he added about his fellow Italian. "I think Mario should pay attention, but not only in this situation."
Mancini also saw the funny side of his striker's apparent magnetism for trouble, giving the player who infamously set fire to his house by letting off fireworks indoors a word of warning ahead of the festive season.
"Now because we are near Christmas and [New Year], it is very dangerous with the fire, it is better if he stays in the hotel," he laughed.
'INCREDIBLE PLAYER'
The Stamford Bridge defeat followed City's group-stage exit from the Champions League and while Arsenal learned on Friday that they will face AC Milan next in Europe's elite club competition, City will discover their opponents in the second-tier Europa League later in the day.
