Alonso charged by FA for violent conduct

Chelsea's Marcos Alonso has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.

The left wing-back appeared to stand on the back of Southampton striker Shane Long's leg during their Premier League game on Saturday, but the incident went unpunished by referee Mike Dean.

However, the FA has since reviewed footage and now sanctioned the Spaniard, who has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond.

Alonso is facing a three-match ban if he accepts the charge which would rule him out of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with the Saints and Premier League games with Burnley on Thursday and Swansea a week on Saturday.

An FA statement read: "Chelsea's Marcos Alonso has been charged with violent conduct following an incident with Southampton's Shane Long.

"It happened in the 43rd minute of Saturday's game [14/04/18] and was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

"He has until 6pm on Wednesday [18/04/18] to respond to the charge.

"Off the ball incidents which are not seen at the time are referred by The FA to a panel of three former elite match officials.