Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson charged for Mario Balotelli incident

Andy Wilkinson vies with Mario Balotelli (GETTY IMAGES)

The Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following an incident with Manchester City's Mario Balotelli during Saturday's 1-1 draw between the sides.

Wilkinson was involved in an altercation with the striker which was not seen by the match officials but was caught on video. Balotelli went down after an apparent off-the-ball clash with Wilkinson, the pair having shadowed each other most of the afternoon. The referee, Mark Clattenburg, spoke to the players but took no action. Wilkinson has until 6pm today to respond to the charge.