Manchester City captain Kolo Toure has defended team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor, accusing his former Arsenal team-mates of “unacceptable” pre-match behaviour

Toure alleges that his former Gunners team-mates shunned Adebayor before the match, refusing to shake the Togo striker’s hand.

"I am astounded because he has received blows from all the Arsenal players," Toure told The Sun.

"Even though he was the first to go and salute them in the tunnel, even those who had an affinity with him didn't want to shake his hand.

"For me that is unacceptable."

Adebayor is expected to learn today what punishment, if any, he will receive for his alleged stamp on Robin van Persie, and his overzealous goal celebrations in the 4-2 victory on Saturday.

The newly-appointed City captain admitted that Adebayor's confrontation with the fans was undesirable, admitting that the Togolese should not have reacted to the abuse form Arsenal fans.

"There was a very difficult moment with the supporters," he said.

"At the start of the game they were whistling at him as if he never brought anything to the club. It was hard.

"I don't caution him for his gesture although I tried to stop him and I also have apologised to the fans. It's not to them that he should do this.

"I told him that this was not a good thing and he apologised. The problem is that they booed him while they applauded me.

"It was a reaction of pride. The whole world could have a reaction like that."

Toure also defended Adebayor's move from Arsenal to Manchester City, insisting that the decision was not driven by financial motives.

"Certain people want others to believe he left for the money but we know he was pushed to leave. I know it because I was present," he said.

"I firmly believe he left to bring money to the club."