McCulloch charged for alleged punch

Wigan midfielder Lee McCulloch has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association.

McCulloch was caught by television cameras apparently punching Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan in the face towards the end of Wigan's 1-0 defeat to the Blades at the JJB Stadium on Saturday.

The FA have confirmed neither referee Peter Walton nor the other match officials saw the incident, which resulted in Morgan suffering cuts and a badly-swollen right eye.

Morgan has already made it clear he is happy to forget the matter after McCulloch offered an apology and handshake immediately after the game.

But the FA are unlikely to be so lenient with McCulloch, who has until 6pm on Tuesday to respond to the charge, and who will face a Disciplinary Commission hearing on Thursday.

If found guilty the Scotland international will face a three-game suspension.

That would see him miss this Saturday's home clash with Chelsea, the Boxing Day game at Manchester United and the match at Watford on December 30.