© EuroFootball.com
"Manchester City defender Michael Ball has been punished with a three-match suspension. The Football Association (FA) handed this punishment to the player for rough play against opponent Cristiano Ronaldo last Saturday in the Manchester derby.
In one episode, M. Ball climbed onto the lying C. Ronaldo right after the whistle. The referee did not notice this incident, but the FA investigated the incident and handed the 27-year-old defender of "Man City" a three-match suspension. The player will miss the last games of the season against Tottenham, as well as two matches at the beginning of the new season.
M. Ball fully agrees with the punishment and admits his guilt: "I sincerely regret what I did and I have to accept the accusations without any doubt. I also personally apologize to Cristiano himself."
"Actions like mine should not be seen on the football field, but rather set a good example for the football community. I want to remind you that I have never been sent off the field so far, and I am proud of that," said the "Man City" defender.
M. Ball arrived at "City" in January this year from PSV Eindhoven, where he had only played 12 matches in 1.5 years due to constant injuries.
In the mentioned Manchester derby between the two fierce rivals, M. Ball did not play the last role. Climbing on C. Ronaldo, he later knocked down the Portuguese in the penalty area. C. Ronaldo himself took the penalty and scored.
At the end of the match, M. Ball was already knocked down by Wes Brown in the opponents' penalty area. However, Darius Vassell's penalty was saved by Edwin van der Sar, and "Man Utd" triumphed 1-0, securing the English champions title the next day."
