Throw book at Adebayor

The FA will today chose what action they will take against Adebayor after two incidents in the weekend’s game between Arsenal and Manchester City at Eastlands.

While the charge of stamping on Van Persie is serious (and on reply looks fairlyy conclusive), Adebayor’s choice of celebration after his goal to put City 3-1 up is more grave. And Adebyaor’s post match apology does little to excuse the player.

To run the entire length of the field and then slide in front of his ex-team’s fans tugging at the badge of his new club is nothing short of extreme provocation, perhaps even incitement to riot. These were away fans – the most dedicated, the most fanatical, most of whom would have been singing Adebayor’s name for the previous two seasons and would have felt betrayed at the manner of his leaving.

And he was, their former hero, taunting them.

Apart from showing Adebayor has little of the class of peers – Robbie Keane’s refusal to celebrate goals scored against former clubs springs to mind – it also highlights his dangerous immaturity, his conceit and his complete lack of awareness of the responsibility that comes with being a modern day footballer.

Whilst in no way can you ever condone violence, not least in a football stadium, it would not have been surprising if Adebayor’s actions kicked off a riot. For that, he has to be made aware that his actions carry consequences. The FA have to make an example of him – as clearly his club disappointingly won’t. They have to give him time to reflect on his behaviour.

Three games on sidelines would be a good start.