City throw book at Thatcher

Ben Thatcher has been hit with the maximum fine possible from Manchester City for his horrific challenge on Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes.

The 30-year-old full-back was given a six-match ban by his club and was fined six weeks' wages, two of which were suspended in each case.

"Two weeks is the norm but it can be up to six weeks under special circumstances," PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said. "If the offence is serious enough that termination of contract could be considered, a six-week fine is possible."

Thatcher could return for the Barclays Premiership clash at Eastlands against West Ham on September 23 after missing the league trips to Reading and Blackburn as well as the Carling Cup match against Chesterfield.

City's pro-active stance could persuade the Football Association to drop any further action against the former Tottenham defender, who was charged with serious foul play following the incident.

Manager Stuart Pearce has also expressed his hope the police and the Crown Prosecution Service take the view that criminal charges are unnecessary, especially as Thatcher has been heavily punished already.

City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh told the club's official website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "As custodians of the club, and football in general, the board and the manager felt it was important to act as soon as possible."

Thatcher has been given until September 12 to respond to the FA charge - he has yet to do so - after which a date will be set for a disciplinary hearing.

Pearce described last week's challenge as "indefensible" and claimed the defender had received a "massive wake-up call" after seeing the incident on television.