Tevez’s wait to learn City fate almost at end

CARLOS TEVEZ is expected to learn the outcome of his disciplinary hearing at Manchester City early next week.

Club officials yesterday confirmed the player was called in to answer charges relating to his conduct on the substitutes’ bench during last month’s Champions League game at Bayern Munich.

It is understood the 27-year-old was charged with failing to resume warming up when requested by manager Roberto Mancini and he will be informed of the adjudication in writing after the weekend.

Tevez was told he had a case to answer after the club launched an investigation into allegations by Mancini he refused to play as a substitute in the second half of the 2-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena.

Tevez, who was suspended for a fortnight during the inquiry, denied the allegation and blamed a misunderstanding. The Argentinian said he thought he was being asked to warm up again and he deemed that unnecessary as he had already done so.

That Tevez has not been charged for refusing to play suggests City were unable to find sufficient evidence to fully corroborate Mancini’s claims, but he will still face sanctions if found guilty, although the whole process could see the saga run into December.

Tevez has been training alone since returning from suspension and there is little prospect of a first-team recall for tomorrow’s eagerly-anticipated derby clash against Manchester United in the Premier League.

Mancini was again unable to answer questions about the situation at his regular pre-match press conference yesterday morning.

As has become customary, a club official warned reporters questions relating to Tevez were not permitted.

Mancini added: “We have an important game and this is more important.”

On that subject, Mancini is proud City are now facing United on a level footing.

Both clubs have enjoyed outstanding unbeaten starts to the season but City have the edge with a two-point lead over their rivals after eight games.

The Italian said earlier in the campaign that he considered the champions to be “two or three yards” ahead of his team.

But City have been in outstanding form and head into tomorrow’s derby two points ahead of United.

But, despite how the table reads, Mancini stills sees United as the benchmark and he feels City are catching them up. Mancini said: “Now it is one yard! United are over City, one yard.

“In these two months I think we worked very well and we reduced the gap.”