Vardy accepts FA improper conduct charge

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has accepted a Football Association charge of improper conduct, it was announced Thursday.

The England international could now be hit with an additional ban that threatens to damage shock leaders Leicester's bid to win the Premier League title.

The 29-year-old Vardy was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for diving in Sunday's 2-2 draw with West Ham, when he appeared to invite a foul from Angelo Ogbonna and then went to ground during the second half at the King Power Stadium.

The improper conduct relates to his furious reaction to his dismissal, with Vardy pointing and shouting in the face of referee Jonathan Moss.

Leicester are now five points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur with four games of the season left.

Vardy, who has requested a personal hearing, is already suspended for Sunday's visit of Swansea and could be out for even longer if the FA decides his behaviour towards Moss deserves further punishment.

This season has seen Vardy score 22 goals for Leicester and England manager Roy Hodgson, who is set to include him in his squad for this year's European Championships in France, defended the forward on Wednesday by saying: 'I don't see that as a dive. I just don't.'

The FA also charged Leicester for failing to control their players following the award of the Hammers' 83rd-minute penalty.

Leicester, who also accepted that charge, said in a statement: 'Leicester City Football Club has today (Thursday) accepted a Football Association charge of failing to control its players during the Barclays Premier League fixture against West Ham United on 17 April.

'Furthermore, Jamie Vardy has accepted a charge of improper conduct arising from the same fixture. Jamie has, however, requested a personal hearing.'