Source: Daily_Mail
Man City will challenge Adebayor's improper conduct charge, says Hughes
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has announced the club will challenge The FA's improper conduct charge over Emmanuel Adebayor's controversial goal celebration against Arsenal last weekend.
The Togo international sparked scenes of wild chaos and fury among the visiting section at Eastlands furious with the former star after the striker raced to the opposite end of the stadium to toast his strike in emphatic manner directly before them.
Adebayor was slapped with an immediate three-game suspension for his dangerous studs challenge on Robin van Persie and The FA confirmed that a separate charge of improper conduct will be considered at a later date with regard to his wild celebration.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Talking point: Man City insist they will challenge the improper conduct charge relating to THAT celebration by Emmanuel Adebayor in front of Arsenal fans
City boss Mark Hughes believes Adebayor has a good case
'We have time to construct our arguments. We have a view and a period of time to make our feelings known,' he said.
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes
Standing up: Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has defended Adebayor's antics against Arsenal
'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.'
Walking away: Adebayor leaves a bloody Robin Van Perise floored from his dangerous and controversial collision at Eastlands
Walking away: Adebayor leaves a bloody Robin Van Perise floored from his dangerous and controversial collision at Eastlands
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.'
