Chelsea defender hit with FA charge

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Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.

The FA’s disciplinary panel viewed video footage of Ivanovic appearing to punch Wigan’s Shaun Maloney in the stomach during Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge.

The incident occured in the build-up to Juan Mata’s controversial winner and was missed by referee Mike Jones.

Ivanovic has pleaded not-guilty to the charge.

If found guilty he will face a three-match ban, ruling  him out of Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham as well as vital league games against Arsenal and QPR.

His absence would be particularly untimely for the Blues given current concerns over the fitness of John Terry during a hectic period of fixtures.

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