Source: SKY_Sports
City to contest Ade charge
Manchester City have confirmed they will appeal Emmanuel Adebayor's improper conduct charge.
Adebayor is already facing a three-match ban for violent conduct for an apparent stamp on former Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie during last weekend's win at Eastlands.
The Togo striker was handed the charge of improper conduct for running almost the length of the pitch to celebrate his goal in front of the Arsenal fans in the 4-2 victory which sparked ugly scenes in the away end.
City have until 30th September to respond to the charge and boss Mark Hughes has indicated they will contest the matter.
Asked if City would be appealing the charge, Hughes said: "Yeah, we have got time to construct our arguments, we have a view and we have a longer period of time to obviously make our feelings known in that respect.
"I think it is important not to take emotion out of the game it is part and parcel of what football is about and that's why it is such a huge sport worldwide
"The circumstances of the game and the amount of criticism and vitriol that Ade had to take wasn't nice
"It was the first time he had come up against former team-mates, some of those team-mates prior to game couldn't shake his hand before the game and all these things come and maybe affect somebody'ss emotional state in a game.
"Obviously the celebration was an outpouring of that and I have to say he didn't leave the field of play.
"He slid on his knees - that's his normal celebration but there are other things we can add to that and we will do
"I think there are comparisons to be made possibly between Ade's celebration and the reaction of van Persie when he scored."
Hughes also backed the striker over his claim that he did not intend to hurt van Persie after being handed a three-match ban for violent conduct following his clash with the Dutchman.
"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 has said Adebayor also tried to injure him - a claim dismissed by Hughes.
"I do not recall Fabregas not finishing the game," noted Hughes.
"I think he played 90 minutes on Wednesday (against Standard Liege) as well. Maybe the injury was not too bad."
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."
