Balotelli escapes FA sanction for foul on Song

LONDON (AP) -- The English Football Association says Mario Balotelli will not be charged with violent conduct for a foul on Alex Song in Sunday's match at Arsenal.

The knee-high challenge on Song was not punished during Sunday's 1-0 loss, but retrospective action cannot be taken because at least one of the match officials witnessed the incident.

He would have faced a three-match ban if he had been found guilty of violent conduct and a further three-match ban because it would have counted as his fourth sending off of the season.

But Balotelli was sent off later in Sunday's match for a second foul on Bacary Sagna, earning him a three-match ban.

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