Ball charged after stamp
08 May 2007 - 16:11:23
Manchester City have confirmed that Michael Ball has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following his stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo during Saturday's Manchester derby at Eastlands.
Ball appeared to stamp on the chest of the United winger in an ugly second minute incident which occurred behind the back of referee Rob Styles.
The clash infuriated United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who remonstrated angrily with the fourth official on the touchline.
After Saturday's Manchester derby which United won 1-0 courtesy of a Ronaldo penalty, Ferguson fumed: "I could not believe it. I don't know what got into him.
"It was the first minute of the game. I don't know if it was instructions, or he was hyped up. It was incredible.
"The game has changed since the 1960s, when there was a lot of really vicious tackling but you don't see that kind of thing nowadays. Cameras are everywhere."
Ball has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond to the charge.