FA charges Eden Hazard with violent conduct following Swansea ballboy incident

25-Jan-2013 9:16:00 PM

The Belgian's attempt to kick the ball out from under the timewasting youngster is alleged to be violent conduct "whereby the standard punishment was clearly insufficient"

The Football Association has charged Chelsea forward Eden Hazard over the incident in which he appeared to kick a Swansea City ballboy.

Charlie Morgan, 17, attempted to prevent the Belgian from taking back the ball as the Blues desperately pushed for a comeback in Wednesday's Capital One Cup semi-final. The 22-year-old was then red-carded for violent conduct after he kicked at the ball, which the ballboy had trapped under his body.

A statement on the FA's official website explained: "It is alleged that Hazard's behaviour [...] constituted violent conduct whereby the standard punishment that would otherwise apply was clearly insufficient."

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The former Lille star has a deadline of 18.00GMT on Tuesday to respond to the charge.

While charging Hazard, the FA statement indicated that the ballboy's behaviour would also need to be addressed.

"The FA will remind all clubs of their responsibilities in ensuring ballboys and other personnel around the pitch act in an appropriate manner at all times and will liaise with competitions accordingly," the message concluded.