Jamie Vardy faces desperate battle to escape FA ban for referee rant

LEICESTER striker Jamie Vardy is fighting a desperate battle to escape an FA ban.

Posted Friday, April 22, 2016 by Dailystar.co.uk

TROUBLE: Vardy's absence could harm Leicester's title chances

The England star has decided not to contest the improper conduct charge brought for his furious reaction to his sending off against West Ham last Sunday.

But Vardy has asked for a personal hearing in a bid to try and explain his loss of control with referee Jon Moss.

Vardy’s dismissal means he misses Sunday’s home clash with Swansea.

But he will plead his case to a three-man independent commission, arguing he should not pick up a further one-game ban for the trip to Manchester United the following week.

Vardy and Leicester will put forward what they believe are the exceptional reasons for his meltdown, hoping he may be cleared for the final three matches of the season.

They will point to the refereeing performance of Moss which has been widely criticised.

Vardy’s personal hearing looks certain to be fast-tracked and could take place in London as early as Monday.

Leicester and the FA are both keen to get the matter out of the way rather than let the whole business hang over the club’s chase for the title.

Losing the 22-goal hitman for half of their remaining four games would represent a body blow for Claudio Ranieri and his team, who currently head Tottenham by five points at the top.

Vardy had already been booked for a first half foul when he went down in the box under a challenge from Angelo Ogbonna in the 56th minute of the 2-2 draw with West Ham.

Referee Moss decided that Vardy dived and raised a second yellow card for simulation.

The sending off prompted Vardy to stride towards Moss and jab his finger in the direction of the Yorkshire official. He also appeared to swear at Moss, who was guilty of a string of howlers during the game.

Former referee’s chief Keith Hackett described Moss’s performance as, "The worst refereeing performance I have seen all season".

What will do Vardy’s case no harm either was the support of England boss Roy Hodgson who described his dismissal as an "injustice", adding he felt the player had been hung out to dry for a “human” reaction.

Chelsea’s Diego Costa was given an additional one match ban for his reaction after being sent-off in The Blues FA Cup quarter-final defeat last month.

Leicester are also likely to pick up a hefty fine after admitting a charge of failing to control their players in the same incident.