Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor was on Tuesday charged by the Football Association with violent and improper conduct over a challenge on former Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie and his provocative goal celebration.
Adebayor, signed by City from Arsenal for £25-million last month, has been accused of deliberately stamping on van Persie during Saturday’s match in what the Dutch striker has condemned as a ”mindless and malicious” assault.
The Togo international also sprinted the length of the pitch to celebrate his goal in City’s 4-2 win in front of the Arsenal supporters.
A steward was knocked unconscious by a missile thrown from the Arsenal section of the ground and Adebayor’s conduct has been severely criticised by Manchester police.
The FA announced that ”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”.
”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 player has until 6pm on Wednesday evening to respond to the charge,” the FA said.
”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.
”The Greater Manchester Police have written to The FA with their views on this incident. A separate date will now be arranged for a commission to consider Adebayor’s goal celebration.”
The FA added that the police and clubs had been asked to identify those supporters involved in any ”violent and aggravating behaviour”.
”The FA would like to see anyone found guilty of such behaviour face action through the legal system and banning orders from football.” — AFP
