FA Charge Leandro Bacuna With Violent Conduct

 

Leandro Bacuna of Aston Villa has been charged with violent conduct following his dismissal against Derby County. The ex-Groningen player was shown a red card in the 94th minute of Villa's 1-0 win after reacting to a decision from an assistant referee, who awarded the visitors a throw-in.

Bacuna showed his frustration with the call, squared up to the match official and appeared to barge him with his chest, with referee Andrew Madley showing Bacuna a straight red card. It is alleged his behaviour constituted violent conduct in circumstances where the standard punishment of three matches that would otherwise apply is clearly insufficient.

The FA's claim that is the case is now set to be heard by an Independent Regulatory Commission, who could either reject it and keep the ban at three games. They also have the authority to increase the suspension by whatever number of matches it deems appropriate.