Man City defender under police investigation

Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher may be charged with assault by police after delivering a blow to Pedro Mendes that left the Portsmouth midfielder unconscious.

England’s Football Association is also reviewing the incident and may make an exception to its rules to punish Thatcher further for smashing Mendes in the head with his forearm during the teams’ 0-0 draw on Wednesday. The Portuguese careered into advertising boards at the side of the field and suffered a seizure. He spent the night in a hospital.

Greater Manchester Police said Thursday that, after receiving “a number of complaints from members of the public” about the incident, it would be “liaising with the injured player, the clubs and the FA to review this matter and determine if any further action is required.”