Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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• Capacity:48,000

City handed SWP extension

06 Feb 2009 - 09:19:54

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Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips is free to face Middlesbrough, after his club were given more time to prepare their evidence in defence of a charge of violent conduct.

Wright-Phillips faces possible FA action after kicking out at Rory Delap during the 1-0 defeat at Stoke City, with referee Martin Atkinson having not seen the incident at the time.

A verdict had been expected on Thursday afternoon, but City have now been given until the close of play on Friday to prepare their defence, with the case to be heard next Monday.

Citizens boss Mark Hughes had earlier stated: "We are disappointed.

"There are a few letters and faxes going to be exchanged between ourselves and the FA because the way it stands, if we decide to appeal, we are not going to get a verdict until late on Friday.

"The process could have been done a lot more quickly, which is something we will be highlighting, because I have to prepare a team for Saturday.

"By the letter of the law Shaun retaliated, but he had twice been kicked from behind. I don't think what Shaun did in response was violent conduct.

"It was a human reaction and I feel a three-game ban would be unfair."