Manchester City FC

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FA confirm Vieira ban

19 Feb 2010 - 11:06:20

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The Football Association have confirmed that Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira has been handed a three-match suspension after the France international accepted a charge of violent conduct.

The former Arsenal and Internazionale star kicked out at Potters midfielder Glenn Whelan during the first half of Tuesday's 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium although he escaped any action from referee Alan Wiley at the time.

However, a review of the incident led to the 33-year-old, who only joined the Citizens in January, being charged.

Vieira has made four appearances for Roberto Mancini's men to date, but will now sit out the Premier League clashes with Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as the FA Cup fifth round replay against Stoke City.

Earlier in the week Potters boss Tony Pulis had praised Whelan for not making a meal of Vieira's challenge, saying: "Glenn gets kicked in the groin and he doesn't roll around as if he has been hit by a truck. He got up straight away.

"You don't see our players surrounding the referee or surrounding Vieira and causing loads of trouble. People's perception of us is wrong.

"We have a committed group of players, who give everything in every game, but we are an honest group."