Balotelli: Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will not face further punishment following his wild tackle on Arsenal midfielder Alex Song last weekend, the FA confirmed yesterday. Balotelli, who was given a three-match ban following his sending off for a lunge on Bacary Sagna later in the same game, had faced the prospect of additional punishment for a dangerous, shin-high challenge on Song.

Ivanovic: Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic was hit with a violent conduct charge yesterday following an off-the-ball clash in last weekend’s win over Wigan. Television footage showed Ivanovic appearing to aim a punch at Wigan midfielder Shaun Maloney during his side’s 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, an incident not spotted by match officials at the time.

Peszko: Poland international Slawomir Peszko has been axed from the Euro 2012 co-hosts’ squad after an alcohol-fuelled dispute with a taxi driver that saw him sanctioned by his club Cologne. “Peszko is out, as this was a repeat offence. He won’t be in my team. End of story,” Poland manager Franciszek Smuda said.

Abidal: Barcelona defender Eric Abidal was undergoing a liver transplant late yesterday, the club’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said. “We have no news. We are waiting for the doctors to give us an update, but operations such as this take a long time,” he said at half-time of the club’s league match with Getafe. “We know he’s in the best possible hands.”

Ross up: Ross County were promoted to the Scottish Premier League last night after nearest rivals Dundee were held to a 1-1 draw by Queen of the South. Dundee needed to win to delay County’s First Division title celebration but Queens defender John Potter cancelled out Stephen O’Donnell’s opener in the 82nd minute. The former Highland League side were admitted to the Scottish Football League in 1994.