Hernandez charged

26 May 2015 12:02

Hull striker Abel Hernandez has been charged with violent conduct after allegedly punching Manchester United defender Phil Jones during Sunday's 0-0 draw between the sides.

The incident, which happened in the 70th minute of the game, was not spotted by the match officials and will now be referred to a three-man panel of former elite referees.

A Football Association statement read: "Abel Hernandez has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials, but caught on video.

"The Hull City player was involved in an incident with Manchester United's Phil Jones in the 70th minute of the game on Sunday.

"Off the ball incidents in Premier League matches which are not seen at the time by the match officials are referred to a panel of three former elite referees. Each panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence.

"For retrospective action to be taken, the decision by the panel must be unanimous. Hernandez has until 6pm on Wednesday 27 May to reply to the charge."

The 24-year-old Uruguayan, a £9.5million signing from Palermo last summer, had been introduced as a replacement for defender James Chester shortly before the incident as manager Steve Bruce looked to snatch victory in a game his side simply had to win to stand any chance of avoiding relegation.

In the event, Newcastle's 2-0 defeat of West Ham would have sent the Tigers down even if they had managed to collect all three points from a fixture in which the visitors had midfielder Marouane Fellaini dismissed by referee Lee Probert for an ugly challenge on defender Paul McShane.

If Hernandez either admits or is found guilty of the charge he will miss the first three games of next season's Sky Bet Championship campaign, should he remain at the KC Stadium.

Source: PA