Mario Balotelli charged with violent conduct for 'stamp' on Scott Parker
• Manchester City forward facing four-match ban
• Balotelli has until 6pm Wednesday to appeal
Mario Balotelli could miss the Carling Cup semi-final plus three league games for Manchester City after he was charged with violent conduct for kicking Scott Parker on the head during Sunday's 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Italian striker, who Harry Redknapp insisted should not have been on the pitch to convert the stoppage-time penalty that defeated Spurs, was charged this evening once the Football Association had considered referee Howard Webb's official match report. Webb has confirmed he missed the 83rd-minute incident at the Etihad Stadium and would have shown Balotelli a straight red card had he spotted the City substitute appearing to aim a back-heel at the Tottenham midfielder as he lay on the floor.
Balotelli has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond. Should the 21-year-old accept the FA charge he will automatically serve a four-match suspension, having already been dismissed once this season, for two bookable offences in the Premier League draw at Liverpool in November. That would rule him out of Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Anfield, where City must overcome a 1-0 first leg deficit to reach Wembley, and league games against Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa.
The Italy international could also appeal, which would leave him free to face Liverpool and result in a disciplinary hearing later this week. However, that would also bring the risk of an extra game's suspension for a frivolous appeal and threaten Balotelli's involvement in the Carling Cup Final, should Roberto Mancini's team manage to progress. The Premier League leaders have yet to decide with Balotelli what course to take.
The FA have also confirmed that no action will be brought against Joleon Lescott for catching the Spurs defender Younes Kaboul with a flailing arm during Sunday's game.
