Balotelli charged and facing four match ban

MANCHESTER City striker Mario Balotelli is facing a four-match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the FA.

The 21-year-old has until 6pm today to respond to the charge, which relates to an incident in which he appeared to catch Scott Parker’s head with his foot during Sunday’s 3-2 Barclays Premier League win over Tottenham.

The one consolation for City is that Joleon Lescott will face no further action for catching Younes Kaboul in the face with his forearm in a separate incident at the Etihad Stadium.