Ball banned after Ronaldo stamp

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Ball is likely to be banned for three matches for his clear stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo in the first minute of the Manchester derby last Saturday, for which Ball professed "deep regret".

Ball's case will be heard on Thursday under the FA's fast-track procedure. He will be relieved he avoided a charge of serious misconduct, which could have brought with it the prospect of an unlimited ban.

Ball said: "I deeply regret what I did and have accepted the FA's charge without hesitation. I have also sent a personal apology to Cristiano.

"My action should not be seen on a football pitch and I know we have a responsibility at Premier League level to set a good example to the whole football community.

"I am proud of my disciplinary record and have never been sent off in my professional career."

Ball's part in the incident involving Ronaldo had brought scathing criticism from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who insisted: "I could not believe it. I don't know what got into him.

"It was the first minute of the game. I don't know if it was instructions, or he was hyped up. It was incredible."

Fulham's Michael Brown is yet to answer his own charge of violent conduct arising from his alleged head-butt of Xabi Alonso during his side's 1-0 win over Liverpool at Craven Cottage.

The incident left Alonso nursing a bloody nose and Reds boss Rafael Benitez said: "It was clear and everybody saw it."