Adebayor escapes FA action over clash with Bendtner

The Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has escaped punishment for his alleged headbutt on team-mate Nicklas Bendtner.

Bendtner complained of being struck by his Gunners team-mate in the second half of Tuesday's 5-1 Carling Cup defeat by Tottenham, but no action will be taken by the Football Association.

An FA spokesman said: "No formal disciplinary action will be taken against Emmanuel Adebayor. Both players will be written to to remind them of their responsibilities."

The FA requested a copy of the relevant television footage to assist their investigation after referee Howard Webb confirmed he did not witness the whole event. Having viewed the footage, Webb felt it was inconclusive and could not recommend issuing retrospective charges.

Bendtner became involved in a heated altercation with Adebayor and appeared to complain of being headbutted by the Togo international. The Gunners captain William Gallas stepped in to try to calm matters down before then being confronted himself by the young Danish striker.

Stoke, meanwhile, are poised to launch an ambitious attempt to sign Theo Walcott on loan. The 18-year-old has been used sparingly by Arsenal and the Championship side are hoping the lure of first-team football will see him move to the Britannia Stadium.

The Stoke chairman, Peter Coates, confirmed his club's interest, but conceded the chances of Walcott dropping a division are slim. "We will enquire but I guess he'll want to stay in the Premier League," Coates said.