Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater facing three game ban after violent conduct charge

He appeared to elbow Watford's Valon Behrami on Saturday

Wednesday 23 November 2016 07:16 EST
Comments
The incident went unnoticed by the referee at the time
The incident went unnoticed by the referee at the time (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.

The England international faces a three-game ban after he appeared to elbow Watford's Valon Behrami in the second half of the Foxes' 2-1 defeat at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

Referee Neil Swarbrick took no action during the game, but the FA, having been alerted to the footage after it ran on social media on Sunday, has acted after viewing the video.

If banned for the alleged 67th minute incident the 26-year-old would miss matches against Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Manchester City, starting with the visit of Boro to the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

It would be another blow in Leicester's faltering Premier League season with the defending champions just two points above the relegation zone following defeat at Watford, their sixth of the season.

But Drinkwater did help them to a 2-1 Champions League win over Club Brugge on Tuesday which booked the Foxes' place in the last 16 with a game to spare.

He has started every game in every competition this campaign and, if suspended, Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri will be left short in midfield with Nampalys Mendy struggling to overcome an ankle injury.

The Italian would have just Andy King and Daniel Amartey as available central midfielders while defenders Robert Huth and Danny Simpson are one caution away from bans.

PA.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in