Man City to challenge Adebayor improper conduct charge

Manchester City are to contest the improper conduct charge laid against striker Emmanuel Adebayor by the Football Association.

Adebayor was charged following his goal celebration last weekend in the 4-2 victory against his former club Arsenal at Eastlands.

He raced to the far end of the ground where the visiting supporters were gathered, sparking volatile scenes.

However City manager Mark Hughes confirmed today the club would be contesting the charge.

Adebayor is already starting a three-match ban after accepting a violent conduct charge for a stamp on Arsenal’s Robin van Persie.

Hughes believes Adebayor has a good case.

The Welsh boss said: “We have time to construct our arguments. We have a view and a period of time to make our feelings known.

“It is important you do not take the emotion out of the game. It is part and parcel of what football is about and why it is such a huge sport worldwide.

“The circumstances of the game and the amount of criticism and vitriol Ade had to take was not nice. It was a difficult situation for him coming up against former team-mates.

“Some of those former team-mates felt they could not even shake his hand before the game. All these things can perhaps affect someone’s emotional state. The celebration was an outpouring of that.

“I also feel there are comparisons to be made with Ade’s celebration and the reaction of van Persie when he scored.”

Even though City and the player accepted the violent conduct charge Hughes insists it was unjust.

He said: “I know and Ade is adamant that he did not intend to hurt van Persie. Unfortunately with these things you are not allowed to have a personal hearing.

“I asked Ade: ’Did you mean to do it?’ He looked me in the eye and said: ’No’. That’s our stance.

“There was no intent. It was not malicious. It was an accident and I believe him.”

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas said Adebayor also tried to injure him – a claim dismissed by Hughes.

“I do not recall Fabregas not finishing the game,” said the City boss.

“I think he played 90 minutes on Wednesday (against Standard Liege) as well. Maybe the injury was not too bad.”

Hughes added: “We won a football match at the weekend, although not many people are probably aware of that after what followed.

“Maybe this was an opportunity for people to criticise us too readily. We accept that and are trying to move on.”