Mancini escapes censure after angry Champions League protest

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will not face disciplinary action after confronting the referee following his side’s controversial Champions League draw with Ajax.

European governing body UEFA have confirmed that the incident was not reported by either referee Peter Rasmussen or their match delegate at the Etihad Stadium.

Mancini came onto the field after a stormy final few minutes in which Sergio Aguero had a goal disallowed and Mario Balotelli had a penalty appeal turned down.

A UEFA spokesperson said: "Nothing was reported neither by the delegate nor by the referee. No disciplinary proceedings are opened."

City had fought back from 2-0 down to 2-2 and thought they had snatched the lead in the 88th minute when Aguero turned home from close range.

But celebrations were cut short as a flag had been raised against Aleksandar Kolarov for straying marginally offside before crossing for the Argentinian.

In a frantic finish, Balotelli went down in the area after being pulled back by Ricardo van Rhijn in injury time but Danish official Rasmussen blew the final whistle.

Balotelli protested to Rasmussen and eventually needed to be pushed away by captain Vincent Kompany while Mancini remonstrated about the disallowed Aguero goal.