Sunderland charged with failing to control players against Manchester City

Man City 3-3 Sunderland Balotelli lashes home his second goal of the game in the 85th minute to give Man City a chance of rescuing a point from the game. (GETTY IMAGES)

Sunderland have been charged by the Football Association with failing to control their players during Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at Manchester City.

The charge relates to an incident in the 43rd minute of the 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium, when some Sunderland players reacted angrily when referee Phil Dowd awarded a penalty following Craig Gardner's challenge on Edin Dzeko.

Mario Balotelli scored from the penalty to bring the home side level and later scored again as City recovered from 3-1 down to rescue a point.

Sunderland have until 4pm on April 11 to respond to the charge.

PA