Mourinho slams Yaya outcome

JOSE Mourinho claimed players have been given free rein to commit off–the–ball offences after the Football Association took no action against Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure for an apparent kick at Norwich’s Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

Chelsea manager Mourinho, who views City as the title favourites, said not suspending Toure sent out the wrong message.

Mourinho said: “If he is not suspended, the message is clear: the players can do what they want if the referee doesn’t see. It’s the same for everyone: if the referee doesn’t see, I can do whatever. It doesn’t matter about cameras or others seeing. I can do whatever I want.”

The decision not to take action against the Ivory Coast star is a huge boost for City – he could have faced a three–match ban.

That will come as a big relief to City boss Manuel Pellegrini as his club chase the Premier League and FA Cup trophies – including a home match against Chelsea in the Cup this weekend.

Toure, arguably City’s most influential player this season, will now be available for tomorrow’s game against Sunderland, the Chelsea game and the league fixture against Stoke.

There was more good news for City yesterday, with Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri taking part in a training session after injuries.