Wilkinson gets 3-match ban for clash

Stoke’s Andy Wilkinson has been handed a three-match suspension after the defender accepted a violent conduct charge following his clash with Manchester City star Mario Balotelli. Wilkinson caught Balotelli in the face with his elbow during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium in an incident that was missed by referee Mark Clattenburg. After reviewing the video evidence, an independent Football Association disciplinary panel decided the 28-year-old had a case to answer. And Stoke boss Tony Pulis confirmed the club would not appeal against the punishment, meaning Wilkinson will miss his side’s next three Premier League matches against Chelsea, Swansea and Livrpool.