City striker Adebayor escapes ban over goal celebration

London: Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor was fined 25,000 pounds (dollars 40,000) but escaped suspension over his controversial goal celebration against Arsenal.

The Togo striker was given a suspended two-match ban Thursday, but that will only be invoked if he breaches a similar Football Association rule before December 2010. The 25-year-old has already served a three-match suspension for violent conduct in a separate incident during the 4-2 victory over his former club and so is available Monday to face Aston Villa.Adebayor is understood to have admitted a charge of improper conduct, while pointing out that he was provoked.“In reaching its decision the commission took into account his admission of the charge, public apology and the extremely provocative nature of the abuse he received,” an FA statement read. “However, the commission also stated that players have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a proper manner and that such celebrations are unacceptable and have the potential to cause a serious public order incident.” IANS