Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson to face three-match ban following elbow on Mario Balotelli

Andy Wilkinson vies with Mario Balotelli (GETTY IMAGES)

Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson will serve a three-match ban after the club decided to accept his violent conduct charge.

Wilkinson caught Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli in the face with his elbow during Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium.

The incident was not spotted by referee Mark Clattenburg, but the independent FA disciplinary panel decided the 28-year-old had a case to answer.

After reviewing the footage, Stoke boss Tony Pulis confirmed the club would not appeal, meaning Wilkinson will miss the Premier League encounters with Chelsea, Swansea and Liverpool.

"We've had a look at the video but will have to take it on the chin," Pulis told the Daily Telegraph.

PA