Mario Balotelli is unlikely to serve a suspension for his red card in Nice's victory over Lorient after the referee admitted he made an error.
The striker has made a stunning start to his career in Ligue 1 after being rescued from his Liverpool nightmare on the final day of the transfer window.
Balotelli has scored six goals in five appearances in all competitions for leaders Nice since arriving in France, the latest an 86th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory on Sunday.
"Olivier Thual has watched the match," Pascal Garibian, technical director of refereeing, explained to L'Equipe.
"Of course, he agreed that the two yellow cards were rushed and shouldn't have been given. The referee is available to the disciplinary committee to say this on record.
"Then it will be up to them to judge if further action is needed."
The disciplinary committee will discuss Balotelli's case on Thursday, with Nice hoping he will be exonerated and become available for the visit of Lyon after the international break.
"He's still young and can give a lot to the national team," the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder told Rai Sport.
"I knew Mario would be reborn in France.
"Of course, four or five games isn't enough, it takes consistency. I hope he finds himself in Nice, because a player like him can help the national team."
