Leicester’s Vardy accepts FA charge, awaits decision on ban

Leicester City’’s Jamie Vardy gestures to referee Jonathan Moss after being given a second yellow card and sent off being sent off during the English Premier League soccer match between Leicester City and West Ham United at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, Sunday, April 17, 2016. AP

LEICESTER, England—Leicester striker Jamie Vardy accepted an English Football Association improper conduct charge on Thursday over his reaction to being sent off against West Ham.

Vardy has requested a personal hearing with an FA disciplinary panel in a bid to prevent his standard one-match ban being lengthened, and missing more of Leicester’s title run-in.

Leicester is five points ahead of Tottenham at the top of the Premier League with four games remaining, and any long ban could harm the team’s pursuit of a first-ever title.

Vardy tangled with Angelo Ogbonna before going down in the penalty area early in the second half on Sunday. Vardy angrily confronted referee Jon Moss after receiving his first red card of the season.

At the time, Leicester was leading through Vardy’s 22nd goal of the season and went on to draw 2-2.

Vardy on Wednesday received the backing of the FA’s most high profile employee, with England coach Roy Hodgson saying the forward didn’t dive, and sympathizing with his reaction.

“He was very, very unlucky … and then unfortunately, he has reacted like sometimes human beings react,” Hodgson said.

Leicester also accepted an FA charge of failing to control its players after West Ham was awarded a late penalty.