Sunderland charged by FA following penalty dispute against Manchester City

Man City 3-3 Sunderland to give Man City a chance of rescuing a point from the game. (GETTY IMAGES)

Sunderland were yesterday charged by the Football Association with failing to control their players during Saturday's Premier League match at Manchester City.

The charge relates to an incident in the 43rd minute of the 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Some Sunderland players reacted angrily when the referee, Phil Dowd, awarded a penalty following Craig Gardner's challenge on Edin Dzeko. Mario Balotelli scored from the spot to bring the home side level and later scored again as City recovered from 3-1 down to rescue a point.

Sunderland have until 4pm on 11 April to respond to the charge.