Emmanuel Adebayor given three-match ban for violent conduct
Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been suspended for three matches for violent conduct during last weekend's match against Arsenal, the Football Association confirmed today. The ban means he will miss the derby match against Manchester United this weekend, the League Cup game against Fulham and the Premier League fixture against West Ham.
Manchester City decided not to appeal the charge brought against the Togo international after an alleged stamp on Robin van Persie. However they may request a separate further hearing to address the charge of improper conduct brought against the striker when he celebrated scoring against his former club in front of their fans.
"A regulatory commission today considered the charge of violent conduct issued against Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor under the fast-track disciplinary procedure following an incident with Robin van Persie during their fixture against Arsenal on the 12 September," read an FA statement.
"Taking into consideration Mr Adebayor's acceptance of the charge of violent conduct the regulatory commission have ordered that he serve a three-match suspension from all football, commencing Thursday 17 September.
"A separate charge of improper conduct will be considered at a later date."
Explaining their decision not to appeal the violent conduct charge, City said: "Both the club and Emmanuel Adebayor have reluctantly accepted the violent conduct charge laid by the Football Association in the wake of the victory over Arsenal.
"The player strongly maintains that he did not intend to act in a violent manner. He apologised on the day to Robin van Persie personally and to the wider public for the outcome of the challenge. We await the findings of the FA's disciplinary panel which is due to meet tomorrow."
City may contest the improper conduct charge and have until 30 September to respond to that allegation.
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