Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is facing a four-match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the Football Association for his stamp on Scott Parker’s head during yesterday’s 3-2 win over Tottenham.
The FA statement read:
“The FA has today charged Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli with violent conduct following an incident in his side’s home game against Tottenham Hotspur. Balotelli was involved in an incident with Tottenham’s Scott Parker during Manchester City’s 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 22 January 2012,” the statement went on. “Balotelli has until 6pm on Wednesday 25 January 2012 to respond to the charge.”
If Balotelli and City accept the charge, he will miss the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. However, should City decide to appeal the appeal will not be heard until next week, meaning he can play against Liverpool. The downside of appealing is that the FA could tack on an additional one game ban.
Balotelli’s case was not made any easier when referee Howard Webb informed the FA today that, had he seen the Italian’s apparent stamp, he would have sent the City player off.
There was one piece of good news for City though as Joleon Lescott was informed by the FA that he will face no further action for elbowing Younes Kaboul in the face with his forearm in a separate incident Sunday.
