The Argentina international found himself at the centre of a storm of controversy following an incident on the bench during the UEFA Champions League defeat away to Bayern Munich on 27th September. Following the match, City manager Roberto Mancini claimed Tevez refused to play against the Bundesliga side, an accusation which has been denied by the player.And there are widespread reports in the Friday morning papers that City will not charge Tevez with refusing to play as no-one on the bench can corroborate the claim made by the Italian. Speaking to Sky Sports in the immediate aftermath of the match, Mancini said: "He refused to come onto the pitch. It is a bad situation."
But Tevez refuted that version of events and, speaking through a translator, said: "I didn't want to warm up because I wasn't feeling very well, so I thought it was better not to. "I didn't think I was in a good situation to come on because my head wasn't in the right place." In light of the dispute, the former Manchester United and West Ham man was suspended for two weeks on full pay as the club started an investigation.
Last season's Eastlands skipper and top scorer returned to Argentina while fellow players and coaching staff were interviewed for their version of events. On his return to City, Tevez has trained alone and hasn't featured in any match day squad. But as the case heads towards a conclusion Mancini has suggested a softening in his stance, after initially saying Tevez would never play for the club again, and there are reports that the striker will only be charged with refusing to warm up.
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