Ivanovic charged with violent conduct
Reuters - Tuesday 10 April 2012, 16:31
Chelsea defender Branislav
Ivanovic has been charged with violent conduct by the Football
Association for an incident in the game against Wigan Athletic
at the weekend, the FA said in a statement on Tuesday.
Television replays showed the Serbian international lashing
out at Wigan's Shaun Maloney in an off the ball incident unseen
by the match officials during Chelsea's 2-1 victory in the
Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Ivanovic faces a suspension if he is found guilty by the FA.
Chelsea have a hectic schedule of fixtures coming up in the
Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup and losing Ivanovic
would represent a major blow.
The Serb has excelled at right-back this season and if he is
banned the Londoners would have to bring in Jose Bosingwa or
Paulo Ferreira as a replacement.
Chelsea play Tottenham Hotspur in an FA Cup semi-final at
Wembley on Sunday before meeting holders Barcelona in the first
leg of a Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge three
days later.
Ivanovic has until Wednesday to respond to the
charge.