Adebayor slapped with double misconduct charge
LONDON - Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been charged with violent and improper conduct during Saturday's 4-2 Premier League win over visitors Arsenal, the English Football Association said on Tuesday.
"Under the fast-track disciplinary process, Adebayor has been charged with violent conduct following an incident with Robin van Persie, which resulted in the Arsenal player receiving facial injuries," an FA statement read.
"Adebayor has also been charged with improper conduct following his actions when turning and running the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal supporters after scoring."
Greater Manchester Police have written to the FA with their views on the incident at the City of Manchester stadium and a separate date will be arranged for a commission to consider Adebayor's goal celebration.
ANGRY FANS
The Togo forward, who joined City from Arsenal in July for a fee put at 25 million pounds by local media, angered fans after what van Persie described as a "mindless and malicious stamp" by Adebayor went unpunished.
"Referee Mark Clattenburg has advised the FA that he did not see this incident, but has confirmed that had he done so, he would have sent Adebayor off for violent conduct," the FA statement said.
Adebayor's goal celebration also sparked crowd trouble among Arsenal fans leading to a steward being injured and the FA have asked City and Greater Manchester Police to identify those supporters involved in any violent and aggravating behaviour.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"The FA would like to see anyone found guilty of such behaviour face action through the legal system and banning orders from football."
Adebayor has until 5pm on Wednesday to respond to the violent conduct charge, which carries an automatic three-match suspension.
The forward, who has scored in all four of unbeaten City's Premier League matches this season, has until September 30 to respond to the improper conduct charge, the City website said.
"The club is considering its position in relation to both matters," a City statement said.
Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.