Carlos Tevez to be charged by Manchester City

(GETTY IMAGES)

Carlos Tevez's disciplinary hearing at Manchester City was due to take place this afternoon.

Club officials have confirmed the player was expected to answer charges arising from an investigation into his conduct on the substitute's bench during last month's Champions League game at Bayern Munich.

The investigation was launched after manager Roberto Mancini alleged the 27-year-old refused to play as a substitute in the second half of the 2-0 loss at the Allianz Arena.

Tevez, who was suspended for a fortnight during the inquiry, denied the allegation and blamed a misunderstanding. The Argentinian said he thought he was being asked to warm up again and he deemed that unnecessary as he had already done so.

The club have given no details relating to the hearing, but Press Association Sport understands Tevez will be charged with failure to resume warming up rather than a refusal to play.

While that would suggest City have been unable to find sufficient evidence to fully corroborate Mancini's claims, the player would still face sanctions if found guilty.

Tevez would then be able to exercise his right to an appeal, which would be heard by a board of City directors. Should another ruling go against him, he could appeal to the Premier League. That whole process could see the saga run into December.

The outcome of today's hearing is unlikely to be made public until early next week.

Tevez has been training alone since returning from suspension and there is little prospect of a first-team recall for Sunday's eagerly-anticipated derby clash against Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League.

Mancini was again unable to answer questions about the situation at his regular pre-match press conference this morning.

As has become customary, a club official warned reporters that questions relating to Tevez were not permitted.

Mancini added: "We have an important game and this is more important."

On that subject, Mancini is proud that City are now facing United on a level footing.

United have held the ascendancy in the city for many years but the Blues actually head into this latest Old Trafford clash with the upper hand as the Barclays Premier League leaders.

Both clubs have enjoyed outstanding unbeaten starts to the season but City have the edge with a two-point lead over their rivals after eight games.

United won when the sides faced each other in the Community Shield in August but it was last season's meeting at Wembley, in the FA Cup semi-final, when City proved they had emerged as serious contenders for silverware.

Mancini said: "I think for us it was important not only to beat them in the semi-final - but I think in all the games we played last year, we always played like them.

"Sometimes we lost, sometimes we made a draw but it was important we played at the same level.

"Derbies are usually different from other games but in this case I think it will be very different.

"It is the first time in a long time we can go there at the top and this means good things for us.

"But we know Sunday will be a very hard game.

"We know United at home are incredible. It is important we go there and are ready to play a good game.

"We have to be ready to defend very well because they have fantastic strikers.

"I think if we leave Old Trafford with a draw that is good for us but it is not our mentality - the same for United. United and City play to win every game."

Mancini also spoke of his admiration for his opposite number Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Italian may have strengthened his position at City as a result of last season's FA Cup success and their fine form this term, but he feels he could still learn much from Ferguson.

"I have big respect for him," said Mancini. "He has won everything for 25 years.

"He is a teacher and I am learning from him. It is not only me, but all young managers.

"He is 69 and he wants to continue to win.

"Every three days he is there concentrating. After every goal, he is incredible.

"I think it is difficult to arrive at his age and have the same strength every day.

"He wants to win every game, every day he wants to work. That is not easy."

PA