Charlie Austin charged with violent conduct and faces festive ban for kick at Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl

Southampton striker could be banned if found guilty of kicking Lossl intentionally

Charlie Austin faces a retrospective ban after being charged by the FA for violent conduct towards Jonas Lossl (Getty)

Southampton striker Charlie Austin has been charged by the Football Association with violent conduct after kicking out at the head of Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Jonas Lossl during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at St Mary’s.

Austin was not punished for the incident during the match, with Lossl left with a suspected broken nose after being caught in the face by the boot of Austin after gathering a loose ball, and could now face a retrospective three-game ban if found guilty.

The 28-year-old scored his fifth goal in five starts for Southampton, only to leave the field shortly after half-time with a hamstring injury, and he has been given until 5pm on Christmas Eve to respond to the charge.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino confirmed that Austin is likely to miss the rest of the festive period anyway due to the injury, but the FA could yet ban him regardless.

Pellegrino’s opposite number David Wagner was not impressed by Austin’s actions and labelled it a “nasty challenge” that “should never happen”.

"After seeing the video footage, this should usually never happen, that an opponent hurts another opponent on purpose," Wagner said.

"I don't like to say this, but it looks this way. Jonas as well was absolutely surprised. This was a nasty challenge and nothing I like to see.

"I think he looks like this challenge was very ugly and nasty. This should never happen. Charlie Austin made the wrong decision in this moment."


 Austin scored his fifth goal in five starts for Saints 
 (Getty)

Austin’s absence –whether injury or disciplinary related – will leave Pellegrino in a tricky position selection-wise as both Shane Long and Massimo Gabbiadini – his two logical replacements – have three goals between them this season, with the former having not found the back of the net since last February.