Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has been charged with violent conduct by the FA, and is set to potentially face a four-match ban.
The Italy international appeared to kick out at Scott Parker during City’s 3-2 win over Tottenham on Sunday, stamping on the Spurs midfielder’s head towards the end of the game.
With the incident going unpunished, ironically Balotelli ended up scoring the winner in injury time, but the attacker may well face time on the sidelines now.
“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,” an official statement reads.
“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.
“Balotelli has until 6pm on Wednesday 25 January 2012 to respond to the charge,” it concluded.
If Balotelli accepts the charges he will miss the Carling Cup semi final against Liverpool and Premier League games against Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham.
Joleon Lescott, who appeared to elbow Younes Kaboul in the second half of the clash, will not face disciplinary action however, and is deemed not to have a case to answer.
Meanwhile, Balotelli’s agent has confirmed that his client will stay at the Etihad Stadium until the end of next season before deciding his future.
“Mario and Roberto Mancini are not married, but Mario is grateful,” Mino Raiola told GR Parlamento.
“Sometimes they fight and argue, but Balotelli knows what Mancini was and is for him.
“However, I cannot say that Mario will remain at Manchester City for life.
“Certainly he will stay there this season and the next one, too. Then we will see,” he concluded.
By Gareth McKnight
Football News 24/7
As a city fan who thinks Balotelli should have been sent off at the time, the fact remains the ref let it go. Should the FA take action from video evidence and go against the referee it would be a total disgrace after what has happened to City in the past few weeks. Kompany was sent off and banned for nothing yet the FA after watching video evidence did NOT go against the Ref, and Glen Johnsons flying studs leg breaker a few days later did not have people calling for him to be banned. At first I did not believe that the rest of the league was “out to get us” but if Balotelli gets banned then its a blatent anti City reaction. Balotelli gets banned then Johnson should be banned and Kompanys ban lifted. Bit of fairness please.
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