Aston Villa skipper Micah Richards hit with improper conduct charge

The Football Association has charged Aston Villa captain Micah Richards with improper conduct following an incident that took place in the tunnel following Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Swansea City.

Richards clashed with Swans defender Federico Fernandez during the first period of the Premier League clash at Villa Park, but the charge handed out by the FA relates to an altercation that occurred in the tunnel.

"Aston Villa's Micah Richards has been charged with improper conduct following an incident which occurred in the tunnel at the end of the game against Swansea City on Saturday [24 October 2015]," read an FA statement.

The defeat for Villa, which left the club bottom of the table on just four points, led to Tim Sherwood losing his job as head coach.

Richards has until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charge.