Man City rule out challenge to Vieira's three-game ban

Manchester City's Patrick Vieira, who has started only two games for Roberto Mancini, will miss the club's three huge upcoming matches, having decided not to contest a violent conduct charge.

Vieira, 33, and City have concluded on the basis of video evidence of the kick he aimed at Stoke City's Glenn Whelan in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw that to lodge a challenge would pose a serious risk of the ban being extended to a fourth fixture by the FA.

Robinho has indicated that he would like to stay at Santos when his loan deal from Manchester City expires this summer. Robinho said: "If it was up to me I'd stay here for the rest of my career but I have a contract with Manchester City and I shouldn't forget that the club have behaved really well towards me."