Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has been charged by the Football Association after he appeared to intentionally stamp on Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea towards the end of Sunday's heated Anfield clash. In the final seconds, with his side trailing 2-1 and desperately chasing an equaliser, Slovakia international Skrtel looked to crash his studs down on the Spaniard's calf after he had gathered an attempted through ball. The 30-year-old escaped punishment but the FA have now stepped in and he could grace a three-match ban. Following a feisty match, which ended 2-1 to Louis van Gaal's visitors, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said he did not believe Skrtel, 30, had set out to intentionally hurt De Gea who appeared to be in some pain. 'I have seen the Martin Skrtel incident,' Rodgers said. 'The ball was played through but it probably looks worse in slow motion.
'It looks like he is trying to get a nick on the ball, to get a toe on the ball but the ball went into the goalkeepers hand.
'Martin is not that type of player, he was just a fraction out.'
However, Skrtel's challenge drew criticism from some including Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon and Sportsmail
understands FA officials are aware of the incident and are now reviewing footage before making a decision on whether to charge Skrtel retrospectively.
The player has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond to the charge.
source: skysports.com
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