Stoke City defender Andy Wilkinson charged over Mario Balotelli ‘elbow’

Published on 19/09/2012 02:41

Stoke City defender Andy Wilkinson has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following an incident involving Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli on Saturday.

Italy striker Balotelli fell to the ground after apparent contact between the players and, although referee Mark Clattenburg missed it at the time, Wilkinson has been charged following video evidence.

Wilkinson, who could face a three-game ban if found guilty of using his elbow, has until 5pm this evening to contest the charge, the FA said in a statement yesterday.

The match finished 1-1 with champions City equalising through Javi Garcia after Peter Crouch had given Stoke the lead despite appearing to use his hand to control the ball.