Leicester dealt huge title blow as star striker Jamie Vardy is charged by FA over red card reaction
England forward faces having his one-match ban lengthened, potentially ruling the striker out of more of Leicester’s title run-in
Jamie Vardy faces having his mandatory one-match ban lengthened, potentially ruling the striker out of more of Leicester’s title run-in, after he was charged on Monday by the English Football Association over his angry reaction to a red card.
Leicester might now have to cope in the games against Swansea and Manchester United without Vardy, who is the league’s second highest scorer behind Tottenham forward Harry Kane.
Vardy was sent off during Sunday’s draw with West Ham after being booked twice, the second time for diving in the penalty area after tangling with Angelo Ogbonna.
Vardy confronted referee Jon Moss, jabbing a finger at the match official while appearing to express his anger at receiving his first red card of the season.
Vardy had netted his 22nd goal of the campaign in the first half to put Leicester in front before being dismissed 11 minutes into the second half.
Leicester have also been charged by the FA with failing to control their players over the reaction to a penalty being awarded in the 84th minute, which led to Andy Carroll levelling the score at 1-1.
Although Aaron Cresswell put West Ham in front, Leicester equalised deep in stoppage time when they were awarded a soft penalty that substitute Leonardo Ulloa converted.
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri now has to consider how to reconfigure the team without Vardy.
One option is to partner Shinji Okazaki with Ulloa if Ranieri sticks with his favoured 4-4-2 formation. Okazaki has netted only six goals this season, while Ulloa’s penalty took his tally to four.
“It was a difficult moment because we were down to 10 men, but we defended well and then attacked when we could,” Ulloa said. “I love to play with this team because they have this character when we are losing or in a bad situation. We are always fighting together. We are a team and that is more important, not for me but for everyone.”