Manchester City look set to accept Mario Balotelli's four-match ban after the volatile striker was charged for stamping on Scott Parker during Monday's Premier League football defeat of Tottenham.
City assistant manager David Platt dropped a strong hint that the club were unlikely to lodge an appeal for Balotelli but stressed a final decision had not yet been taken.
The Premier League leaders have until 7am Thursday morning to decide whether or not to contest Balotelli's charges following the Italian's clash with Parker during Sunday's 3-2 win at Eastlands.
However Platt acknowledged the video footage of the incident did not look good and spoke of the futility of some appeals.
Balotelli will miss Thursday's League Cup game if City accept the ban but could play if the club choose to appeal.
However any appeal would carry the risk of an increased ban at a crucial point in the season.
