Repeat offender Adebayor gets four-match ban

Manchester City forward Emmanuel Adebayor was banned for four matches on Friday following a Football Association review of the red card he received in Tuesday’s FA Cup defeat at Stoke.

Adebayor was dismissed for catching Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross with his arm during an aerial challenge and has decided not to appeal against the straight red card he received.

As it was the second time this season that the Togo striker had been found guilty of violent conduct, the usual three-game suspension was increased by one game.

Adebayor joins team-mate Patrick Vieira on the sidelines. Vieira is serving a three-match ban for violent conduct following his kick on Glenn Whelan in last week’s Premier League meeting with Stoke.

Both players will be missed on Saturday when City take on Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.