City won’t appeal Nasrired card

Manchester City have decided not to appeal against Samir Nasri’s controversial sending-off at Norwich at the weekend.

The France forward was dismissed in the first half of the champions’ 4-3 Barclays Premier League win at Carrow Road for an alleged headbutt at Sebastien Bassong.

Manager Roberto Mancini indicated after the game on Saturday that an appeal would be lodged but, after further thought, the club have now announced there will not be a challenge.

A statement from the club read: “The Football Association has confirmed that Samir Nasri will serve a three-match suspension, following his red card during the 4-3 win at Norwich on Saturday.

“Nasri will now miss the New Year’s Day visit from Stoke City, the FA Cup tie with Watford (January 5) and the trip to Arsenal on January 13.”

Nasri reacted angrily to a challenge from Bassong in a manner that was seen as violent conduct.