Bastian Schweinsteiger 'to contest' FA charge for violent conduct during Manchester United draw with West Ham

Schweinsteiger was accused of throwing his forearm into the throat of Reid, but the United midfielder looks set to contest the charge

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger clashes with West Ham's Winston Reid (Getty Images)

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will contest a violent conduct charge from the Football Association following an incident with West Ham defender Winston Reid during the weekend’s 0-0 draw with West Ham.

Schweinsteiger could face a three-match ban after he was accused of throwing his elbow into the throat of New Zealand international Reid.

Schweinsteiger had been given until midday on Thursday to replay with an intention to appeal or not, but Press Association are reporting that the World Cup winner will contest the charge and attempt to avoid any ban.

Speaking after the match, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic condemned Schweinsteiger’s actions and believed that he should have been shown a straight red card.

“It was a moment of madness and he deserved to be sent off, but it's impossible for the ref to see everything.

“No matter how many referees you have, sometimes they can't see. I'm sure if he did see it, it would have been a straight red. Of course we are disappointed but it happens. He just didn't see it.

“I saw it on the replays at half-time. It was a red, a big-time red. I understand the decision but it was a crucial moment. I can't blame the referee.”

Referee Mark Clattenburg missed the incident during the match at Old Trafford, but because it was not included in his match report yet picked up by television cameras, the FA are allowed to take retrospective action against Schweinsteiger and ban him if they deem him worthy of a sanction during the match.