Balotelli charged with violent conduct
Manchester City's Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring against Manchester United during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England in this Oct 23, 2011 file photo. — Reuters picLONDON, Jan 24 — Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has been charged with violent conduct following an incident in Sunday's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, the FA said yesterday.
Balotelli appeared to stamp on the head of Spurs midfielder Scott Parker but referee Howard Webb took no action and the Italian scored the stoppage-time penalty which sealed City's 3-2 win.
Balotelli, who could be banned for four matches, has until 1800 GMT tomorrow to appeal.
If he decides to appeal he would be available for the League Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool tomorrow but if the appeal failed he could face an even longer suspension.
City defender Joleon Lescott will not face any action for an incident during the same game when he clashed with Spurs defender Younes Kaboul. — Reuters
