12BET EPl News Update 1/24

Mario Balotelli charged with violent conduct by FA

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association after appearing to stamp on Scott Parker. The incident occurred in City's 3-2 win over Tottenham, with Balotelli scoring a late penalty to win Sunday's match. Following a dismissal earlier this season Balotelli, 21, faces a four-match ban, but any unsuccessful appeal could result in a longer suspension.

Joleon Lescott will not be punished after a clash with Younes Kaboul. Manchester City defender Lescott caught Kaboul in the face with his forearm in a separate incident at the Etihad Stadium. Italy striker Balotelli, who has until 1800 GMT on Wednesday to respond to the charge, came on as a 65th-minute substitute against Spurs.

He was booked for a foul on Benoit Assou-Ekotto, but after escaping punishment from referee Howard Webb following his clash with Parker, the striker was fouled by Ledley King in the final minute of added time and converted the resulting penalty. If he pleads guilty, Balotelli will miss Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield.- http://news.bbc.co.uk/