FA chief backs Howard Webb decision

FA chairman David Bernstein has strongly defended Howard Webb's role in the Mario Balotelli violent conduct charge.

Webb chose to not issue Balotelli with a red card after the Manchester City striker stamped on Spurs' Scott Parker during his side's 3-2 victory on Sunday.

The Italian accepted a charge of violent conduct and will serve a four-game ban but Webb has received a lot of criticism for his role, with Balotelli's agent joining the argument.

Bernstein said: "Howard Webb is a fantastic referee and a great ambassador for the sport. His ability and integrity are beyond question.

"He has the utmost respect from within football in England and around the world.

"We all have a duty to respect our referees. To question their integrity or imply anything other than total impartiality is reckless and unfounded."

Balotelli will miss matches against Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa.