Jamie Vardy faces having his mandatory one-match ban lengthened, potentially ruling the striker out of more of Leicester City’s title run-in, after he was charged on Monday by the Football Association over his angry reaction to a red card.
Leicester might now have to cope in the games against Swansea City and Manchester United without Vardy, who is the league’s second-highest scorer behind Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane.
Vardy was sent off during Sunday’s draw with West Ham United after being booked twice, the second time for diving in the penalty area after tangling with Angelo Ogbonna.
Photo: Reuters
Vardy confronted referee Jon Moss, jabbing a finger at the match official while appearing to express his anger at receiving his first red card of the season.
The Football Association’s improper-conduct charge means Vardy is likely to miss at least two of Leicester’s last four league games if he is found guilty.
Vardy had netted his 22nd goal of the campaign in the first half to put Leicester in front before being dismissed 11 minutes into the second half.
Leicester have also been charged by the Football Association with failing to control their players over the reaction to a penalty being awarded in the 84th minute, which led to Andy Carroll leveling.
Although Aaron Cresswell put West Ham in front, Leicester equalized deep in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty that substitute Leonardo Ulloa converted.
Leicester, who are chasing their first-ever top-flight title, and Vardy have until tomorrow afternoon to respond to the charges.
There was a further setback for the club later on Monday, when Tottenham beat Stoke City 4-0 to trim Leicester’s lead to five points.
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri now has to consider how to reconfigure the team without Vardy. One option is to partner Shinji Okazaki with Ulloa if Ranieri sticks with his favored 4-4-2 formation. Okazaki has netted only six goals this season, while Ulloa’s penalty took his tally to four.
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