• Premier League

Balotelli charged by FA for Parker incident

ESPN staff
January 23, 2012
Mario Balotelli has been charged with violent conduct © PA Photos
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Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli could be banned for four matches after being charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.

Balotelli appeared to stamp on Scott Parker's head after a collision with the Tottenham midfielder during City's 3-2 win over Spurs at Eastlands on Sunday.

Balotelli, who had already received a yellow card, escaped sanction and went on to score the 94th minute penalty that decided the game, prompting a furious reaction from Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who felt Balotelli should not have been on the pitch to score the winner.

"You can't get away with things like that on the football pitch, the referee should be seeing that," Redknapp said.

Balotelli, who has already been suspended this season, now faces a four-match ban after the FA confirmed they had charged the striker.

"The FA has charged Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli with violent conduct following an incident in his side's home game against Tottenham Hotspur," read a statement on the FA website.

"Balotelli was involved in an incident with Tottenham's Scott Parker during Manchester City's 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, January 22. Balotelli has until 6pm on Wednesday, January 25 to respond to the charge."

However, City defender Joleon Lescott will not face any disciplinary action over his alleged elbow on Younes Kaboul.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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