Man City midfielder charged for verbal abuse

London, Dec 11 (IANS) Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry was Tuesday charged for verbally abusing fourth official Mark Clattenburg during the football club’s loss to league leaders and neighbours Manchester United.

United opened a six-point gap at the top of the English Premier League table after a thrilling 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium Sunday.

The incident took place after the full time. Barry is understood to have been angry with the official’s decision to award Robin van Persie a free kick in the dying minutes of the game which the Dutchman duly converted to give United the derby win.

A statement released by the FA read: “The charge is for a breach of the FA Rule E3 in that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official following the Manchester City versus Manchester United game Sunday, 9 December 2012.

“Barry has until 4 p.m. Thursday 13 December 2012 to respond to the charge.”

If he accepts the charge he will receive a one-match ban — if he denies the charge and is found guilty he will be banned for two matches.

Machester City are second in the table four points ahead of European champions Chelsea.

IANS 2012-12-11 19:20:11