Leicester's Danny Drinkwater has been formally charged by the Football Association after television pictures appeared to show him elbowing Watford's Valon Behrami in Saturday's game at Vicarage Road.

Referee Neil Swarbrick missed the incident during the game itself, in the 67th minute of the Hornets' 2-1 win, but retrospective punishment could now be dished out to Drinkwater if he is found guilty of violent conduct.

The FA were informed of the potential misdemeanour by former Premier League referee Mark Halsey via Twitter.

27-year-old Drinkwater could face a three-match ban if he admits to the charge, or is found guilty by a hearing should he contest it. He has until 6pm today to respond.

The FA said in a statement: "Each referee panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence.

"For retrospective action to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the decision of the panel must be unanimous."