London - Leicester must continue their push for the title without talisman striker Jamie Vardy for at least the next two games after he was charged by the FA yesterday.
On the same day as Spurs closed the gap at the top of the table, Vardy learned of the FA’s decision following a red card and subsequent behaviour towards the referee, Jon Moss, against West Ham on Sunday.
Top scorer Vardy has until 6pm on Thursday to respond after referee Moss reported him. He is contemplating a ‘not guilty’ appeal to the misconduct charge.
Vardy was furious at being deemed to have dived to pick up a second booking in the 56th minute, jabbing a finger at Moss and appearing to swear. But the England international left the field relatively quickly and may feel he can escape an extra match ban that would see him miss the crucial trip to Manchester United on May 1.
He will take stock over the next 24 hours.
PFA Player of the Year nominee Vardy is already banned for the game against Swansea on Sunday as a result of his first red card since joining the club, and being absent for the match at Old Trafford would be a huge blow to manager Claudio Ranieri as he strives to lead his team to the Premier League title.
Vardy’s importance to Leicester cannot be underestimated, having previously started every game of the campaign.
He scored the opening goal against West Ham to take his tally to 22 and has also provided six assists in the Premier League this
every game of the campaign.
He scored the opening goal against West Ham to take his tally to 22 and has also provided six assists in the Premier League this season. This type of FA charge usually ends with an extended ban. Chelsea’s Diego Costa received a one-game suspension after admitting the offence in March.
Arsenal defender Gabriel suffered the same punishment for refusing to leave the field when sent off against Chelsea in September. He too admitted his charge at a personal hearing.
The FA have also charged Leicester over their players’ response to Moss awarding West Ham a penalty for Wes Morgan holding Winston Reid.
Ranieri has previously looked at using Jeff Schlupp as a striker, a position the Ghana international has coveted and performed previously
in his career. Schlupp, who usually operates on the left wing, has pace that provides more of a like-for-like replacement for Vardy.
Daily Mail