Balotelli going down in flames... as huge effigy is unveiled of star for Bonfire Night
Last updated at 11:49 AM on 2nd November 2011
Mario Balotelli has been in sizzling form leading up to Fireworks Night.
And it appears he is going to steal the show on Saturday judging by this huge tribute to the Manchester City star.
Because a 30ft effigy of the striker has been unveiled that will be torched at a huge celebration in Kent.
Giant of the game: The effigy of Mario Balotelli at the farm in Kent
Edenbridge Bonfire Society picked Balotelli for their annual display after he hit the headlines last month.
The Italian's house was set on fire after his friends let off fireworks in the bathroom of his Cheshire mansion.
Balotelli, who denied any involvement, then fronted a firework-safety campaign at the club's Carrington training ground.
He is the latest sports star to go up in flames at Edenbridge - with Wayne Rooney the star of 2010. Each year the group pick a celebrity who has been in the news.
Finishing touches: Frank Shepherd has painted the huge work that will be torched
The effigy was painted by Frank Shepherd and the finishing touches are being applied at the Breezehurst Farm location.
Jon Mitchell, from Edenbridge Bonfire Society, said: 'We were all quite worried a few days ago because no celebrities had done anything quite silly enough to be celebrated on November 5.
'We thought about the politicians and the other usual suspects - but Super Mario earned a unanimous vote among the committee.'
After seeing Balotelli fron the campaign, Mitchell said: "For that reason we are fairly sure he will see the funny side and understand that we are right behind him in his campaign.'
Eye on the ball: Balotelli has become a City favourite this season
Mitchell also admitted they wanted to add 'a little Premier League balance' after burning Manchester United striker Rooney last year.
He added: 'Now we will probably have upset the whole of Manchester, not just the United fans.'
Other big names to have been burnt at Edenbridge include Katie Price, Jonathan Ross and Cherie Blair.
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Our Mario is quite the lad. Of late he seems to be joining the rest of the human race and I'm sure he'll see the funny side of this.
- SkyBlue1936, Ottawa, Canada, 03/11/2011 18:04
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