Report: Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger to contest FA charge

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has reportedly decided to contest his Football Association violent conduct charge for an alleged elbow on Winston Reid.

The German was charged yesterday by the FA after it was deemed that he had jabbed his forearm into the throat of West Ham United defender Reid during Saturday's goalless draw at Old Trafford.

Referee Mark Clattenburg spoke to both players over their jostling for position at a free kick, but did not appear to spot Schweinsteiger's action.

The FA was therefore free to punish Schweinsteiger retrospectively and he is facing a three-game ban.

However, according to PA, the 31-year-old will contest the charge and lodge an appeal before Thursday's midday deadline.