FA charge Manchester City's Adebayor

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been charged with violent and improper conduct in Saturday's 4-2 win over Arsenal, the English Football Association said today.

"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," an FA statement read.

"Adebayor has also been charged with improper conduct following his actions when turning and running the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal supporters after scoring."

The Togo international, who left Arsenal for City in the last transfer window, has until 1700GMT tomorrow to respond to the charge.

"The Football Association today issued two charges against Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor following Saturday's Premier League fixture between Manchester City and Arsenal," said a statement issued by the FA.

"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.

"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. The player has until 6pm on Wednesday evening to respond to the charge.

"Adebayor has also been charged with improper conduct following his actions when turning and running the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal supporters after scoring.

"The Greater Manchester Police have written to The FA with their views on this incident. A separate date will now be arranged for a commission to consider Adebayor's goal celebration."

Van Persie had little doubt over the intent of Adebayor's challenge, which he labelled "malicious".

Although some ex-professionals, including Gareth Southgate and Roy Keane, have sympathy for the former Gunners forward over his goal celebration, most were appalled by his tackle on the Dutchman.

TV replays showed a second movement downwards as Adebayor moved his feet following what he felt was a dangerous tackle by Van Persie.

Clattenburg believes he was right in waving play on for the initial tackle, which is why Van Persie will not face any action.

City boss Mark Hughes felt the official had a good enough view of the entire incident to make the correct decision.

Like the vast majority in the stadium though, Clattenburg did not get a proper look, which is why he has informed the FA of the decision he would have taken.

If found guilty, Adebayor will be suspended from Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford - for which Robinho is already out and Carlos Tevez is a major doubt - plus a Carling Cup tie with Fulham and a Premier League encounter with West Ham on September 28.

The FA would then need to set up a disciplinary panel to hear the second case, which could bring anything up to an additional three-match suspension.

Adebayor will hope for leniency in that matter though, given the aggravation he received from the Arsenal supporters.

The FA have been in touch with Greater Manchester Police, plus City and Arsenal on that matter though and will push for banning orders for supporters involved in particularly unpleasant scenes.

"We have asked the GMP and the clubs to identify those supporters involved in any violent and aggravating behaviour. The FA would like to see anyone found guilty of such behaviour face action through the legal system and banning orders from football," continued the statement.

"The FA would like to thank the Manchester City FC stewards for the way they managed a very difficult situation and to pass on sincere best wishes to the steward who was injured during the game.

"We will continue to work with the LMA and PFA in particular to help remind players of their responsibilities, especially in highly charged situations."