Hughes - No malice from Ade

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has defended his under-fire striker Emmanuel Adebayor by declaring that there was no malice in his challenge on Robin van Persie.

The Togo international hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons at the weekend after Van Persie accused him of landing a 'mindless and malicious' stamp on his face.

The former Gunner then ran the length of the field to celebrate scoring City's third goal in their 4-2 win at Eastlands in front of the Arsenal supporters, nearly causing a riot in the stands.

The Football Association have confirmed that they will 'take a close look' at both incidents and decide whether Adebayor should be punished.

However his manager is convinced there was no malice intended over the Van Persiealtercation.

"There has been much discussion over the weekend regarding the various incidents in Saturday's game, which is understandable," Hughes told the club's official website.

"Emmanuel Adebayor sustained a tremendous amount of personal abuse from the kick-off but strongly maintains that there was no malice intended in the challenge on Robin van Persie and apologised to him when he hugged him on leaving the field of play at the end of the game.

"The referee had a great view of the challenge from Ade and the one that preceded it by Van Persie and deemed it at the time that neither were worthy of either a yellow or red card."

Emotionally charged celebration

Hughes also backed his player over the controversial celebration, insisting it is hard to control your emotions when adrenalin takes over.

"As for Ade's emotionally charged celebration, which has also prompted debate, there have been similar such celebrations in recent times," he added.

"We expect high standards of behaviour from our players and it is easy in the cold light of day, when the adrenalin has died down, to talk about what players should and shouldn't do in that situation.

"Ade again immediately apologised but we know the FA will be reviewing the matter.