Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor was charged with violent and improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) on Tuesday for his alleged stamp on Robin van Persie and for his goal celebration in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Arsenal.
Van Persie, Adebayor’s former Arsenal teammate, was left with a cut on his face after he had tackled the Man City striker.
The FA has also charged the Togo striker in relation to running the length of the field to celebrate his goal against his former club in front of the Arsenal fans, who reacted violently and had to be kept under control by police and stewards.
The FA said there would be separate hearings for the two incidents but did not say when they would be held. English football’s governing body has also asked the Greater Manchester Police to investigate the behaviour of the Arsenal fans, some of whom threw objects onto the field. A steward was left unconscious.
“Under the fast-track disciplinary process, Adebayor has been charged with violent conduct following an incident with Robin van Persie, which resulted in the Arsenal player receiving facial injuries,” the FA said in a statement. “Referee Mark Clattenburg has advised the FA that he did not see this incident, but has confirmed that had he done so, he would have sent Adebayor off for violent conduct.”
Adebayor has until Wednesday evening to respond to that charge and until Sept. 30 to reply to the one relating to the goal celebration.
Van Persie described Adebayor’s conduct as a malicious stamp but Man City Manager Mark Hughes defender his striker by saying no malice was intended. Hughes said Adebayor had also been the object of personal abuse by the Arsenal fans.
Adebayor was charged with improper conduct following his run to the other end of the stadium to celebrate a goal in front of the Arsenal supporters.
“The Greater Manchester Police have written to the FA with their views on this incident,” the FA said. “A separate date will now be arranged for a commission to consider Adebayor’s goal celebration.”
The FA said it would also be looking at the behaviour of the Arsenal fans to identify those guilty of violent behaviour in response to Adebayor’s celebration.
“We have also asked the Greater Manchester Police and the clubs to identify those supporters involved in any violent and aggravating behavior,” the statement said. “The FA would like to see anyone found guilty of such behaviour face action through the legal system and banning orders from football.”
Man City said it had been made aware of the charges and would consider its position in relation to both matters.
