The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) has backed Carlos Tevez in his appeal against Manchester City's four-week fine, as the under-fire striker tries to overturn the Etihad Stadium club's sanctions.

Roberto Mancini claimed that the South American refused to enter the field of play against Bayern Munich back in September, but it was adjudged that he merely refused to warm up.

Despite this, the Argentina international was fined four weeks wages, thought to be in the region of £800,000, and suspended for a fortnight whilst City held their internal investigations.

The PFA feel that the repercussions were harsh however, and have backed Tevez in his appeal.

"The PFA's opinion, based on all the evidence presented, is that Carlos Tevez never refused to play for the club," the organisation's statement reads.

"This is accepted by the club in that the charge against Carlos made at the hearing was not one of refusing to play.

"As such the PFA considers that there is no justification for a fine other than up to the prescribed sanction of two weeks' wages agreed by the FA, the Premier League and PFA.

"The PFA has informed the Manchester City Football Club accordingly and Carlos will continue to be supported by the PFA in this regard," it concludes.

Tevez's future at the Etihad Stadium hangs in the balance, as Corinthians, Boca Juniors and a host of European sides hope to add him to their squads come the January transfer window.

By Gareth McKnight

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