FA charges MCCulloch with 'violent conduct'

Wigan midfielder Lee McCulloch has today been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.

McCulloch was caught by television cameras apparently punching Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan in the face towards the end of Wigan's 1-0 defeat to the Blades at the JJB Stadium on Saturday.

The FA have confirmed neither referee Peter Walton nor the other match officials saw the incident, which resulted in Morgan suffering cuts and a badly-swollen right eye.

Morgan has already made it clear he is happy to forget the matter after McCulloch offered an apology and handshake immediately after the game.

However, the FA are unlikely to be so lenient with McCulloch, who has until 6pm tomorrow to respond to the charge, and who will face a Disciplinary Commission hearing on Thursday.

If found guilty the Scotland international will face a three-game suspension.

That would see him miss this Saturday's home clash with Chelsea, the Boxing Day game at Manchester United and the match at Watford on December 30.

Earlier this afternoon, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was also charged by the FA, this time for improper conduct.

The Frenchman has been cited by Soho Square after his outburst towards officials at half-time of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Portsmouth.

Wenger was unhappy about the free-kick which led to Noe Pamarot's opener in first-half stoppage time at the Emirates Stadium and after complaining to the fourth official he continued his argument as he headed down the tunnel.

The French coach was sent to the stands for the rest of the match by referee Steve Bennett.

Wenger's latest charge comes just four days after being fined £10,000 and warned as to his future conduct following his bust-up with former West Ham manager Alan Pardew.

The Arsenal boss has until January 5 to respond to the charge.