Mancini told to kerb imaginary card habit

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy yesterday criticised the Italian for making such gestures, most recently on Monday night.

Mancini wanted Wigan’s Maynor Figueroa to be shown a red card for denying Sergio Aguero a goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball in City’s win at the DW Stadium.

He also waved an imaginary card during a game against Liverpool earlier this month and then accused Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney of doing similar to get City’s Vincent Kompany sent off in an FA Cup tie.

It is understood the Football Association will not be taking any action over the matter. However, if it was to continue they may review the situation.

McCarthy, speaking at a press conference to preview his side’s FA Cup third-round replay against Birmingham tonight, said: “None of us should do it. It is something I don’t like. There is a cultural difference. Roberto is in this country now.

“It is a little blip on a really good career for him at Man City because he handles himself with such good dignity and grace.”

Mancini has now been involved in red card-related controversies in four successive games.

He first waved an imaginary red card after Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel fouled Yaya Toure in City’s Premier League win.

After being criticised he apologised, but then expressed frustration at Rooney five days later when Kompany was dismissed for a two-footed tackle on Nani.

Mancini was then incensed when a challenge by Liverpool’s Glen Johnson went unpunished in the Carling Cup semi-final.

Mancini defended his actions at Wigan. He said: “I am on the bench. It is different to a player who is near the referee. They can have more influence.”