Mario Balotelli: Manchester City undecided over 'stamp' appeal

Manchester City have yet to decide whether to appeal the Football Association's decision to charge Mario Balotelli with violent conduct.

But City's first-team coach David Platt hinted on Tuesday that the club will reluctantly accept the decision.

Balotelli, 21, appeared to stamp on Scott Parker before scoring a late penalty to secure City's 3-2 win over Premier League title rivals Tottenham.

"We are likely to be without a player for four games," Platt admitted

Balotelli has until 1800 GMT on Wednesday to respond to the charge.

Earlier this month the FA rejected City's appeal against captain Vincent Kompany's controversial sending-off in their FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United.

Kompany was handed a four-match ban for his second red card of the current campaign.

Platt said: "I don't think there is anybody who thought we would win the appeal with Vincent Kompany.

"But I don't think anybody thought he deserved a four-match ban.

"Sometimes it shows you the futility of appealing."