In what may perhaps be seen as a surprising move, Martin Skrtel has denied the FA charge of violent conduct, with relation to the alleged ‘stamp’ on Manchester United’s David De Gea.
Skrtel was seen to have trodden on the United goalkeeper’s leg, just as the final whistle was blown on Sunday and, despite the referee claiming to have not seen the incident at the time, De Gea reacted furiously and the Liverpool man was charged on Monday.
The player was given until 6pm this evening to respond to the charge and respond he has, by denying that he deliberately stamped on the United man’s leg.
According to the Liverpool Echo this evening, it is believed that Skrtel claims the incident was purely accidental, with both players simultaneously stretching for the ball.
Replays appeared to show that Skrtel may have some grounds for his defence, however it is unlikely that the FA will withdraw the charges. The worry for Liverpool, of course, is that if the FA deem Skrtel’s denial ‘frivolous’, they could actually extend the expected 3-match ban meaning that Rodgers could lose his main centre back for around half the remaining games of the season.
Was Skrtel right to deny the charge, and should the club back him? Let us know your thoughts below.
guilty as charged. Liverpool should not back him as he will get 4 games instead of 3.
martin skrtel action towards dea was an intensional act .F A should charge to avoid orders taken that as reference
Definitely looked intentional. DeGea had ball in hand Skertal was still a good metre from him and looked to follow through . He had time to avoid him
50—50 play yall…