Balotelli was embroiled in a row with Manchester United players at the end of City's FA Cup semi-final victory at Wembley last Saturday.
It has been claimed that Balotelli celebrated towards the United fans, tugging the badge on his shirt. Defender Rio Ferdinand was particularly enraged.
The Italian has never been far from controversy in his debut season with City.
However veteran midfielder Vieira, who played alongside Balotelli at Inter Milan, has leapt to his team-mate's defence
"That's part of his personality, that's Balotelli's charm," Vieira told Sky Sports. "I don't think it was a case of provocation, I just think he got carried away."
Source: PA
Source: PA