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The Football Association have hit Emmanuel Adebayor with two charges following his stormy performance in Manchester City's win over Arsenal on Saturday.
The striker is facing a three-match ban for violent conduct for the incident involving Robin van Persie, while he is likely to face an additional punishment of a one-match ban for the celebration that followed his goal in the 4-2 win.
Referee Mark Clattenburg confirmed that had he seen the alleged stamp on Van Persie, he would have sent the Togo centre-forward off. The official took no action at the time but he did book Adebayor after his goal celebration in front of the Arsenal supporters.
Unless the Togo international can successfully argue his case, he is almost certain not to be available for City's derby with United on Sunday, the Carling Cup clash with Fulham next week and the Premier League games at home to West Ham and away at Aston Villa.
Adebayor has until tomorrow to respond to the charge of violent conduct but no date has yet been set by the FA for a commission to consider his goal celebration.
The FA statement read: “The Football Association today issued two charges against Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor following Saturday's Premier League fixture between Manchester City and Arsenal.
“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 tomorrow evening to respond to the charge.
“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 fans 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.
“We have also asked the GMP and the clubs 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.
“The FA would like to thank the
Manchester City FC stewards for the way they managed a very difficult situation and to pass on sincere best wishes to the steward who was injured during the game.
“We will continue to work with the LMA and PFA in particular to help remind players of their responsibilities, especially in highly charged situations.
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police have also received a complaint alleging Van Persie swore at the crowd after scoring in Saturday's 4-2 defeat at City, but it is understood that further action is unlikely.
Reader views (10)
I am an arsenal fan, I am glad he left the club. He is an idiot.
- M Anderson, Indiana USA, 16/09/2009 04:41
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I think its pathetic that faceless man city fans , want to try and invent an allegation against van persie which cannot be backed up with evidence.
ADEBAYOR Stoked up the situation saturday morning with his ridiculous staements in the tabloid press.
He is a disgrace , his constant flirtations the season before last with milan and barcelona were a veichle he used to engineer a massive pay rise.
he then got that and gave up his work ehtic dropped, i think it shows the man city fans defending him are blinkered.
Remember this man headbutted one of his own team mates during a game.
Also all these inncidents saturday were capature on TV and showm worldwide.
adebayor has shown he is a class less human being
- Simon Mcmahon, evesham, worcestershire, 15/09/2009 16:41
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In to days climate as we see football is a time bomb of violence and any excuse to spark it off. We are all quick enough to condem the actions of fans so this player should be charged with violent behaviour,A.B.H. and incitement to violence,because that is what he done.Just because he is ahero on the feild ,does this mean he is above the law?He is a disgrace to the game.He will be better suited to the terraces and with the hoilgans.
- Allan Clarke, Brasil, 15/09/2009 16:36
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What a shame! 4 matches into the season & Adebayor will miss 4 plus matches, at in excess of £100,000 per week wages Man City must be pleased! By the time he is back, Arsenal should be above City, especially with Tevez & Robinho injured! Master stroke by Mr Wenger, purchased Adebayor for £7m, sell him for £25m, nice £18 million profit, for a player that is extremely disruptive, cant wait for his reaction when City fail to qualify for the Champions League.... 'Im off to Barcelona'
- Rob Gooner, North London, 15/09/2009 16:20
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Van Persie ?
Whats going to happen to this lout? For firstly, trying to break Adebayors legs and secondly for shouting and swearing at the City fans.
Remember one thing, Both of these players are a product of Arsenals coaching and training regime. It seems at Arsenal its a requirement for their players to be arrogant, thuggish, diving to an olympic standard and refusing to accept defeat with a bit of dignity.
- James, Manchester England, 15/09/2009 16:07
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You only have to look at the picture to see the thuggish intent on Adebeyors face,Van Persie is prone on the floor defenceless,in my opinion he deserves a 6 match ban for this cowardly assault.As for the goal celebration I dont think he should be banned,I belive him when he says it was his emotions,but it wasnt the brightest move,the Arsenal supporters reaction was wrong but understandable and I think supporters from any club would have been upset if a former player fronted them the way Adebayor did.Wenger has done well to offload him for a good price,I also think this isnt the last time we will see Adebayor in trouble this season,with the added pressure at City to produce the goods,and a dodgy temperament it will be only a matter of time before he presses the self destruct button again.
- Jim Ex Pat,Islington N1, thailand, 15/09/2009 15:48
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I hope van Persie will now also be charged with incitement or is this another intance of letting Arsenal getting away with Wenger bleating so loudly?
- Tonyjohnson, Hythe Kent, 15/09/2009 15:18
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Breaking a racquet in Serena William's case at the US Tennis Open is bad enough but alledgedly stamping on an opponent's leg with intent to injure is criminal. There should be zero tolerance on obvious indiscipline in Sports which should include Adebayor's "celebrating" with a view of creating tension at the opposing team's spectators. If he is incapable of exhibiting good sportsmanship in the Premier League, what will he expect to pass on to budding footballers in Togo and the African Continent?
- Rolando, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 15/09/2009 15:09
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Serves Ade right. His actions could dent the hopes of his new 'beloved' club where he feels the love he has never had in his whole life as a footballer. It is ironical that he sees himself as the victim. The injury to his former team-mate is not excusable. Oh I do remember that he said if he was not a footballer, he would have been a thug wondering the streets in Lome. He has brought shame to the great people of his home community and tainted the beautiful game that named his Africa's footballer of the year. I only hope that he makes a sober reflection of what he did and has a better attitude when next he comes on the pitch. Perhaps with his money he could create a foundation called 'Stop Thuggery in Sports'. He is a good footballer and we all expect him to be a role model.
- Jayt, Watford, UK, 15/09/2009 14:46
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Yes,charge him for the violent tackle,but if you charge him for celebrating a goal you would have to charge every player who celebrates scoring.It seems political correctness has arrived at football in the UK.What happened to the great British sense of humour,were one could take the micky out of others and have a great laugh.UK football is becomming a girlie sport,soon showing any emotion will be enough to get a player banned.If the sport is to be designed to protect WIMPS in the fans,then the FA will charge him for celebrating,and if this is the case,why dont we change football to an all girlie sport for wimpie supporters that cannot except defeat.Grow up FA,stop destroying British football.
- David, london, 15/09/2009 14:25
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