The FA’s disciplinary panel will formally sit in judgement tomorrow. But the punishment for such offences is automatic and it seems unlikely there will be any change in that stance.

City knew there was little point in contesting the case once referee Mark Clattenburg confirmed he would have sent Adebayor off if he had seen the Manchester City forward's challenge on Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman sustained a cut to the head and launched a fierce attack on his former team-mate, who he claimed had acted in a “malicious” manner.

Arsene Wenger weighed into the debate as well yesterday, and with wider opinion lined up against him, it was futile for Adebayor to take the matter further.

City have another few days before they decide whether to contest the improper conduct charge brought against Adebayor for his ill-advised goal celebration in front of the Gunners’ supporters at Eastlands.

It leaves City boss Mark Hughes facing a striker crisis this weekend, with only Craig Bellamy of his front-line forwards likely to be available.

Robinho, Roque Santa Cruz and Benjani have already been consigned to the injured list and Carlos Tevez is rated extremely doubtful to face his old club.

In addition, City had a scare over Micah Richards earlier this week when the young defender was forced to miss two days’ training after going down with a bout of tonsillitis.

Thankfully, Richards’ symptoms have now eased, which should allow him to face Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, along with Stephen Ireland, who is optimistic about his recovery from an ankle injury that forced him to be replaced at half-time in Saturday’s win against Arsenal.