A Conservative MP wrongly claimed that Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli was sitting in the House of Commons yesterday during a debate about the government's drug policy.

Guy Opperman spotted the man, who had similar hair to the controversial Italian, and caused a stir on Twitter by writing: "Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has popped in to Commons Gallery to watch the Drug Policy debate -wearing sharp suit, pink shirt &a poppy."

However, other MPs were quick to correct the politician, while others asked the Balotelli lookalike in person, who turned out to be 55-year-old dancer Kevin Hinds.

Outside the Commons, Mr Hinds told The Telegraph: "I was sitting down watching the debate and I was approached by a number of MPs asking me if I was Balloteli.

"I had to disappoint them and say no, but he is a great man and I am only privileged to associated with man like that."

Balotelli is known for his eccentric behaviour off the pitch, but the 24-year-old forward was in training during the drugs debate in London.