Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has been charged with violent conduct following an incident during Wednesday night’s defeat to Blackburn.
Television replays showed the Magpies player appearing to punch Rovers’ Morten Gamst Pedersen in the chest.
Referee Mike Jones did not see the incident at the time, meaning the Football Association are free to used video evidence for a possible retrospective punishment.
And a statement released by the FA read: “Newcastle United FC midfielder Joey Barton has today been charged with violent conduct by the FA following an incident in his side’s fixture with Blackburn Rovers FC on Wednesday, November 10.
“Barton has until 18.00 GMT on Friday, November 12 to reply to the charge and under the FA’s fast-track regulations, may admit the charge and accept a standard three-match suspension.”
If Barton contests the charge he will be clear to feature in Saturday’s game against Fulham.