Jamie Vardy: Leicester City striker faces additional one-game ban after improper conduct charge
The 29-year-old is now facing an additional one-game suspension, ruling him out of the trip to Manchester United
Jamie Vardy could miss half of Leicester City’s remaining Premier League games this season after being charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following his angry outburst in response to being dismissed by referee Jon Moss for diving against West Ham United.
England forward Vardy, who has appeared in all of Leicester’s 34 league games so far this season, will miss Sunday’s fixture at home to Swansea City as a result of being sent off for two yellow cards by Moss at the weekend.
But the 29-year-old is now facing an additional one-game suspension, which would rule him out of the trip to Manchester United on May 1, if a disciplinary commission upholds the FA charge.
Moss is understood to have mentioned Vardy’s reaction to his dismissal – the forward was caught on camera appearing to swear at the West Yorkshire official – in his match report submitted on Monday morning, prompting the FA to charge the player.
Leicester have also been charged for failing to control their players – a charge which carries a financial penalty if upheld.
An FA statement said: “Leicester City's Jamie Vardy has been charged with improper conduct for his behaviour following his second half dismissal against West Ham United on Sunday (17 April 2016).
“Leicester have also been charged for failing to control their players following the awarding of an 83rd minute penalty to West Ham.
“Both the player and the club have until 6pm on Thursday 21 April 2016 to reply to their charge.”
Should Vardy accept the charge, he is likely to face no more than the sanction of an additional one-game ban, with Chelsea forward Diego Costa offering a precedent following his dismissal at Everton last month.
Costa was sent off for two yellow cards during the FA Cup quarter-final defeat, but was subsequently banned for an additional game and fined £20,000 for his reaction by the FA.
With Vardy set to miss the next two games, Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri is likely to hand Leonardo Ulloa the chance to deputise and score the goals which could secure the Premier League title.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies