Wright-Phillips charged

Shaun Wright-Phillips has been charged with violent conduct by the FA.

Wright-Phillips was involved in an incident with Stoke City midfielder Rory Delap during the first half of the match at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday 31 January.

The incident was not seen by referee Martin Atkinson. Having now watched video footage of the incident, Atkinson has informed The FA that, had he seen it at the time, he would have shown Wright-Phillips a red card for violent conduct.

Wright-Phillips has until 6pm on Thursday 5 February to admit or deny the charge. A Regulatory Commission will hear the case on Friday 6 February.

>>mcfc.co.uk

I wrote at the time that Wright-Phillips had been fortunate to avoid being sent off at the time, and that had there not been the melee after Delap kicking out then he would surely have been.

Of course though, we have seen other (more high profile) incidents this weekend where players have escaped further censure for actions as serious, if not more so, that Wright-Phillips's, which were petulant rather than dangerous.

The charge of violent conduct will likely bring with it a three game suspension though, with a one game suspension perhaps the best that could be hoped for.

UPDATE:

It seems Mark Hughes is none too happy with the charge:

"We are disappointed," said Hughes. "There are a few letters and faxes going to be exchanged between ourselves and the FA today because the way it stands, if we decide to appeal, we are not going to get a verdict until late on Friday.
"The process could have been done a lot more quickly, which is something we will be highlighting because I have to prepare a team for Saturday."