Wilkinson charged over Balotelli clash
The FA has charged Andy Wilkinson with violent conduct
Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following an incident with Manchester City's Mario Balotelli in Saturday's 1-1 draw between the sides.
Wilkinson was involved in an altercation with the City striker which was not seen by the match officials but was caught on video.
Balotelli went down after an apparent off-the-ball clash with Wilkinson, the pair having shadowed each other most of the afternoon.
Referee Mark Clattenburg spoke to the players but took no action and replays did not suggest anything serious had occurred.
Wilkinson now has until 6pm on Wednesday 19 September 2012 to respond to the charge.
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Yet another example of the officials failing to keep a watch on the game. With this, the Everton missed goals, Welbeck's dive and Crouch's hand balls it was a pretty grim three days for the "don't bring in technology" brigade
It was at very best cowardly what he did, if you have seen the incident then you will see there is no physical provocation from Balotelli all though we dont what if anything was said between the 2 players.
As Grim as pointed out that the reaction from Balotelli was as mature as you could expect from someone who has a hair trigger temper,
I hope the punishment does fit the crime in this case because it will send out a message to those who want to commit off the ball scenarios that you will be dealt with retrospectively based on video footage
