Wilkinson accepts three-week ban

Stoke City defender Andy Wilkinson has been charged with violent conduct for elbowing Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli on Saturday.

The 28-year-old struck the Italian as the ball went out for a thrown in, an incident which was missed by the match officials in the Premier League clash, and following retrospective action by the FA, Wilkinson will now serve a three-match ban.

The defender has decided not to contend the punishment, and will start his ban with immediate effect, starting with his side’s trip to Chelsea on Saturday.

He will also miss the visit of Swansea, as well as Stoke’s trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool in three weeks time.

Manager Tony Pulis had previously confirmed that the club would not appeal the decision, after reviewing footage of the incident.

“We’ve had a look at the video but will have to take it on the chin,” he told the Daily Telegraph.