Leicester’s Jamie Vardy charged with improper conduct

Jamie Vardy has been charged by the Football Association with improper conduct over his reaction to his red card in Leicester City's 2-2 draw against West Ham United and can expect his one-game ban to be extended by a match if found guilty.

Vardy was sent off by Jon Moss for an alleged dive and directed angry comments at the referee. This was mentioned in the official’s match report and has prompted the FA to take action.

The striker is out of Sunday’s home match against Swansea City and is likely to be banned for the following match, at Manchester United, if a three-man independent commission finds him guilty. That could have ramifications for Leicester’s attempt to win the Premier League.

The FA has also charged Leicester with failing to control their players against West Ham, with a fine the likely punishment if that is upheld. That relates to the awarding of an 83rd-minute penalty to West Ham. Vardy and the club have until 6pm on Thursday to reply to the charges.

At the start of this month Chelsea’s Diego Costa had his ban for a red card at Everton increased by one game for his reaction to the referee’s decision and reluctance to leave the pitch.

Moss, heavily criticised in some quarters for his performance on Sunday, will be the fourth official at the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Everton on Saturday.

(Guardian service)