Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been handed a three-match ban by the Football Association (FA) after he was found guilty of violent conduct for stamping on the face of former Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie. The incident, which occurred during City's 4-2 win over the Gunners at City of Manchester Stadium last Saturday, was one of many unsavoury incidents involving the Togolese striker in the game ? who still faces a separate charge of improper conduct ? brought after he ran the length of the pitch to taunt Gunners fans with a goal celebration. That charge will be considered at a later date. The FA confirmed today the ban will begin immediately, ruling Adebayor out of the hotly-anticipated Manchester derby against bitter cross-town rivals United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Adebayor had admitted the charge and was dealt with under the FA's fast-track disciplinary system. The FA said in a statement: "A regulatory commission today considered the charge of violent conduct issued against Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor under the fast-track disciplinary procedure following an incident with Robin van Persie during their fixture against Arsenal on the 12th September. "Taking into consideration Mr Adebayor's acceptance of the charge of violent conduct the regulatory commission have ordered that he serve a three-match suspension from all football, commencing Thursday 17th September. "A separate charge of improper conduct will be considered at a later date." City may contest the improper conduct charge ? they have until September 30 to respond to that allegation. The decision threatens to put a dent in City's magnificent start to the season, with the Eastlands club boasting a 100 per cent winning start to their Premier League campaign, with Adebayor netting four times in four games for the club.
* With agencies
