After investigation by the FA, Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has been charged for violent conduct following an incident during Sunday’s North West derby against Manchester United at Anfield.
The charge comes after an incident with United keeper David De Gea which occurred in the dying seconds of the match.
Cameras caught Skrtel going into a challenge on De Gea as he came to claim the ball. As the Slovakian closed in, he allegedly "stomped" on the keeper's leg.
The challenge received much criticism from pundits and United supporters, following Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard being sent off earlier in the match by referee Martin Atkinson for a similar incident.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers defended his player after the match, however, stating the challenge was not as bad as it looks.
“I have seen the Martin Skrtel incident,” Rodgers said. “The ball was played through but it probably looks worse in slow motion.”
“It looks like he is trying to get a nick on the ball, to get a toe on the ball but the ball went into the goalkeepers hand.”
“Martin is not that type of player, he was just a fraction out.”
With Gerrard already out for the next three matches following his sending off, this will come as a blow to a Liverpool side trying to chase down United for the final top four and Champions League spot.
Skrtel has been given until March 24th at 6pm by the FA to respond to the charge.