Sergio Aguero to contest violent conduct charge

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is to contest a charge of alleged violent conduct and possible three-match ban, PA Sport reports.

Aguero was charged with violent conduct by the FA after his elbow on West Ham defender Winston Reid in Sunday’s win.

The incident, after which Reid was seen holding his neck, which was missed by referee Andre Marriner and his fellow officials during the match.

Aguero had been given until 6 p.m. local time on Thursday to respond to the charge, which was issued after a review panel felt he should have been sent off.

A date for a disciplinary hearing will now be determined. An independent panel is due to rule on the case on Friday using written submissions and reviewing video evidence.

If Aguero is found guilty he could be suspended for City’s next three domestic matches, including the derby against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sept. 10.

The home clash with Bournemouth on Sept. 17 and EFL Cup tie at Swansea four days later are the other games he could miss.

Aguero picked up a calf injury in the victory over West Ham and was substituted in the 88th minute, and has since withdrawn from Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela.

Losing Aguero would be a big blow for City and boss Pep Guardiola, particularly with the derby meeting with Jose Mourinho’s United up next.

Aguero has made a superb start  this season, scoring six times in his first three appearances including a hat-trick in a Champions League playoff win at Steaua Bucharest.

His form has helped Guardiola’s side win their opening three games of the Premier League season, with United and Chelsea the only other teams in the league with perfect records so far.