Adebayor told to 'keep cool' against Arsenal

| Friday April 23, 2010 00:00

Adebayor was warned by the Football Association after celebrating his goal for City in front of Arsenal fans when the teams met last September.

Team-mate Kolo Toure said Adebayor must play it cool in the return game.

'We all know what he did was not the best reaction - and as a friend I've told him that,' Toure commented.City won 4-2 when the teams met at Eastlands early in the season.

As well as receiving a warning for running the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Gunners' supporters, Adebayor was also banned for three games after clashing with Robin van Persie.

The Arsenal striker suffered a facial wound and claimed his former team-mate had set out to hurt him with a 'mindless and malicious stamp'.

Adebayor apologised for his behaviour after the match but said he had been wound up by constant taunting by Arsenal's travelling supporters.

He said: 'It was silly to run up in front of the Arsenal fans but these people have been insulting me all game.Even in the warm-up they were insulting me. They were saying things that are not nice to hear, personal things.'

Saturday's game is crucial for City, who are locked in a battle with Tottenham and Aston Villa for fourth place in the Premier League, which would secure a place in the Champions League next season.

Toure - also an ex-Arsenal player - said Adebayor must rein in his emotions, adding: 'I've told him he must be calm and not do anything (provocative).

'Ade is a professional player and must just focus on the game and give everything to help the team win.' (BBC)