Source: Telegraph
Everton's David Moyes urges FA not to punish City's Roberto Mancini over spat
It follows the touchline confrontation between the two managers during Everton's 2-0 victory at Eastlands on Wednesday. [LNB]The Manchester City manager has been charged with improper conduct by the FA as a result of the incident. The Italian, who is understood to be facing a fine rather than a touchline ban, has until April 6 to respond to the charge, with a hearing set for April 19. [LNB] Related ArticlesManchester City v Wigan: previewMancini charged over Moyes clashEverton-Man City feud reaches boardroomMancini made a mistake picking on MoyesMancini vs MoyesSport on televisionMoyes, the Everton manager, has been 'reminded of his responsibilities' by the FA rather than charged after being sent to stands at the same time by referee Peter Walton. [LNB]The managerial clash was mirrored by a verbal row in the directors' box between City chief executive Garry Cook and George Downing, the guest of an Everton director, which led to Everton writing to Cook to demand an explanation for Downing being asked to leave the stadium. [LNB]City have confirmed that Cook made a conciliatory phone call to Downing on Thursday evening and Downing, a multi-millionaire Merseyside businessman, has insisted that the matter is now closed. [LNB]With relations between the two clubs soured by last summer's acrimonious £22 million transfer of Joleon Lescott from Everton to City, however, Moyes has now attempted to save Mancini from FA censure. [LNB]Moyes said: "I think neither of us should in any way be brought before the FA. I think Roberto did what he had to do for his team. He was trying to get his team a result. [LNB]"I've no problem with people showing how much it matters. I want my players to do that. Roberto apologised and it was big of him to do that. In the corridor after the game, he was very good. [LNB]"He did it in the open, in front of TV reporters. He said 'I'm sorry' and I said 'I apologise, I was only trying to make a substitution at the time.' [LNB]"I thought nothing of it within minutes of the end of the game. It was gone and forgotten about and we shared a drink in his office as well. I didn't see it as being a problem." [LNB]Mancini has yet to decide whether to contest the improper conduct charge and he is understood to be keen to shelve the issue until after Monday's league game at home to Wigan. Any punishment could be delayed until after the season due to the timescale of the disciplinary process, however. [LNB]Should Mancini appeal against the outcome of the disciplinary hearing on Apr 19, the FA could be forced to stage a personal hearing for the former Inter Milan coach following the end of the Premier League campaign, which concludes on May 9.[LNB]
