Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley could be suspended for up to four matches by the Football Association if found guilty of stomping on an opponent.
The Black Cats full-back has been captured stepping on the back of Chelsea's Juan Mata during Saturday's match at the Stadium of Light and is facing a ban because of the trial by video footage.
Referee Lee Probert did not see the incident and did not mention it in his match report but on reviewing the footage, he has reportedly said he would have sent Bardsley from the pitch then and there.
FA chiefs have charged Bardsley with violent conduct and he now has until 6pm on Wednesday to either plead guilty and accept an automatic three-game ban or risk an additional suspension for a "frivolous appeal".
West Bromwich Albion's Gabriel Tamas today accepted a three-match ban for an elbow on Norwich City's James Vaughan so it doesn't look all that positive for Sunderland and Bardsley.
