PFA back Carlos Tevez over appeal

The Professional Footballers Association have backed Carlos Tevez in his appeal against the fine imposed on him by Manchester City.

City imposed a fine of four weeks' wages - believed to be around £800,000 - after finding Tevez guilty of misconduct during the Champions League match against Bayern Munich on September 27, when manager Roberto Mancini claimed the striker refused to play.

City had asked the PFA to ratify the fine, but PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has backed the Argentinian after attending last week's hearing.

A PFA statement read: "The PFA's opinion, based on all the evidence presented, is that Carlos Tevez never refused to play for the club.

"This is accepted by the club in that the charge against Carlos made at the hearing was not one of refusing to play. As such the PFA considers that there is no justification for a fine other than up to the prescribed sanction of two weeks' wages agreed by the FA, the Premier League and PFA.

"The PFA has informed the Manchester City Football Club accordingly and Carlos will continue to be supported by the PFA in this regard."

Tevez appears likely to appeal against City's decision to fine him four weeks' wages.

The Argentinian maintains he only refused to warm up at the Allianz Arena and Press Association Sport understands he is considering suing City manager City Roberto Mancini for defamation over the matter.

There have been suggestions City could counter-sue the player due to his diminishing value but the club would not comment this morning on that possibility.

City issued a hard-worded statement on Tuesday evening detailing the five breaches of contract they believe Tevez to have committed.

They are now waiting to hear formally if Tevez will exercise his right to appeal but with 14 days from the judgement to make clear his intentions, there is no immediate rush.

The 27-year-old and his representatives want to take full stock of their options.

In the meantime, while Tevez is theoretically eligible for selection, he is likely to remain an isolated figure.

The former West Ham and Manchester United player has been training alone since returning from a suspension while the initial investigation into the affair was conducted a fortnight ago.

The club are determined to take a hard line over the matter and will not countenance a cheap sale in January.

It is understood City will hold Tevez to the remainder of his contract, which expires in 2014, if necessary.

Mancini will decide what becomes of the player and, after a conversation with the Italian on Tuesday, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak will give him his full backing.

City valued Tevez at £40million when a move to Brazilian club Corinthians collapsed in the summer and will only accept a similar fee.

PA