Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has been charged by the Football Association for violent conduct.
The charge relates to the Italian's alleged stamp on the head of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker during City's 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Should Balotelli opt to accept the charge, he is likely to receive an instant four-match suspension.
However, if he decides to contest the FA's verdict he will be free to play in Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool. The 21-year-old will then face an FA panel to determine his punishment.
Meanwhile, Balotelli's teammate Joleon Lescott will face no action from the FA for his apparent elbow on Younes Kaboul.
