Former Gunner set for lengthy ban.

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been hit with a double charge by the Football Association in the wake of last weekend’s win over former club Arsenal.

Adebayor has been charged with violent conduct for his challenge on Robin Van Persie and he has been charged with improper conduct for his goal celebration at Eastlands.

The £25m summer signing from Arsenal escaped punishment from referee Mark Clattenburg after appearing to stamp on Van Persie after a tackle between the pair.

Van Persie accused his former team-mate of deliberately setting out to hurt him when he caught him in the face with his boot.

Adebayor then almost sparked a riot in the away fans end after running the length of the field to celebrate his goal in the 4-2 victory in front of the Arsenal supporters.

The Togo international apologised for his over-zealous celebration, but expressed his innocence over the clash with Van Persie.

If Adebayor is found guilty of violent conduct he will be handed a three-match ban that would result in him missing Sunday’s derby against Manchester United and that suspension could be increased if he is also found guilty of improper conduct.

Adebayor has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond to the charge, but it looks almost certain he will be handed a three-match ban with the charge of improper conduct to be heard at a later date.

“The Football Association today issued two charges against Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor following Saturday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester City and Arsenal,” said a statement issued by the FA.

“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.

“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.” (Sky Sports)

So it seems that Emmanuel Adebayor will get at least a three match ban, just for the alleged stamp on Robin Van Persie, and perhaps even more for the celebration. It was clearly an emotional day for the former Gunners man who has been vilified for his behaviour before and indeed since, his move to Eastlands and he will be lucky to avoid any suspension his behaviour.

The fact that the match referee Mark Clattenburg has confirmed he would have sent off the player if he had seen his challenge on his former teammate seems likely to have some gravitas so I will be surprised if the ban the player receives isn’t at least a three match one.


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