Mario Balotelli accepts ban

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has accepted the four-match ban handed down by the FA, and has decided not to appeal their decision.

The Italian striker appeared to kick Scott Parker in the head during his team’s 3-2 win over Tottenham on Sunday, in which the temperamental attacker won and converted a penalty in injury time to get seal the victory.

The FA found Balotelli guilty of violent conduct after reviewing the incident, and gave the forward until 6pm on Wednesday to appeal against the four-match suspension.

However, despite Balotelli’s agent claiming his client’s innocence in the media, the current Premier League leaders have decided not to challenge the governing body’s decision.

The Italy international missed City’s Carling Cup semi final against Liverpool on Wednesday night, and will also now be unavailable for games against Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa.

With Balotelli absent for forthcoming games, Roberto Mancini has been reduced to two recognisable strikers in the form of Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko.

By Gareth McKnight