Ireland set to escape FA charge

Manchester City's Stephen Ireland is unlikely to face a Football Association charge for pulling down his shorts after scoring against Sunderland.

Ireland, 21, celebrated netting in a 1-0 victory by revealing a pair of pants bearing the Superman logo.

BBC Sport understands the FA is not expected to charge Ireland with misconduct, though he may be handed a warning over his future behaviour.

Ireland recently signed a new five-year contract to keep him at Eastlands.

His first goal of the season at home to Sunderland lifted City up to third in the Premier League, two points behind Arsenal and Manchester United.

Ireland has already been involved in controversy this season, after he admitted lying about the reason for his withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland squad to face Czech Republic in September.

Ireland cited the death of a grandparent when in fact his girlfriend had suffered a miscarriage.

He also withdrew from the Republic squad to face Germany and Cyprus in October, saying he "would not do his country or himself justice".

Ireland is a graduate of the City academy and made his debut in a 1-0 home defeat by Bolton on 18 September, 2005.

Source: BBC Sport