FA charges Mario Balotelli with violent conduct for stamp

MANCHESTER City striker Mario Balotelli is facing a four-match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the FA.

The 21-year-old has until 6pm tomorrow to respond to the charge, which relates to an incident in which he appeared to catch Scott Parker’s head with his foot during Sunday’s 3-2 Premier League win over Tottenham.

The one consolation for City is that Joleon Lescott will face no further action for catching Younes Kaboul in the face with his forearm in a separate incident at the Etihad Stadium.

If he accepts his charge, Balotelli will miss the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield. However, should the Italy international decide to appeal he will be free to face the Merseyside giants, with a hearing taking place later this week.

It would seem, though, that Balotelli would be at risk of getting the suspension extended if he took that course of action as referee Howard Webb informed the FA yesterday that, had he seen the Italian’s apparent stamp, he would have sent the City player off.

If he accepts the charge, Balotelli would also miss the Premier League trips to Everton and Aston Villa, plus the home encounter with Fulham on 4 February. It is the latest in a long line of disciplinary issues involving Balotelli since his arrival from Inter Milan at the beginning of last season, and for City during January.