Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry was today charged by the Football Association with using abusive language towards a match official following his side’s 3-2 defeat against Manchester United.
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is currently serving a three-match ban for a similar offence, although the Nigerian was also charged with “threatening behaviour in the official’s changing room”.
England international Barry has until Thursday afternoon to respond to the charge.
Meanwhile, City boss Roberto Mancini has insisted controversial striker Mario Balotelli will not be sold despite his poor start to the season. Mancini said: “Balotelli has enormous quality, he is not for sale. He is a player who has the quality to change a game at any time.”
