Scholes seeks personal hearing into ban

Paul Scholes has requested a personal hearing into the charge of violent conduct levelled against him by the Football Association.

Scholes clashed with Middlesbrough’s Brazilian midfield player Doriva during their recent Premiership encounter at Old Trafford on February 11.

Referee Paul Durkin indicated in his match report that he had not seen the incident, but it was picked up on television replays and the FA decided to act.

United boss Alex Ferguson has previously suggested there was nothing in the clash, although Scholes is facing a three-match suspension should he fail to prove his innocence.

The player, through his club, notified the FA of his intention to challenge the charge today, and the FA will now set a suitable date for his hearing.

It is the latest in a series of disciplinary battles between United and the English game’s governing body, most notable of which is the ongoing battle over Rio Ferdinand’s missed drugs test.

Ferdinand is currently eight games into an eight-month suspension handed down before Christmas – but is due to have his appeal against the punishment heard on March 18-19.