Ball gets penalty for Ronaldo stamp

Manchester City defender Michael Ball was charged with violent conduct by the Football Association on Tuesday for stamping on Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ball was not punished on Saturday over the second-minute incident during United's 1-0 Premier League win.

"I deeply regret what I did and have accepted the FA's charge without hesitation," Ball told Man City's Web site. "I have also sent a personal apology to Cristiano.

"My action should not be seen on a football pitch and I know we have a responsibility at Premier League level to set a good example to the whole football community."

The FA also charged Fulham midfielder Michael Brown with violent conduct over an alleged butt on Xabi Alonso on a 1-0 win over Liverpool on Saturday.

The FA said both players had until 1700 GMT Wednesday to respond to the charges, which carry an automatic three-match suspension.

The cases will be heard Thursday.