N´Zonzi charged with violent conduct

Blackburn midfielder Steven N’Zonzi has been charged with violent conduct by the FA after an incident with Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross.

The Frenchman was seen landing an elbow on the Potters’ defender during his side’s 3-1 Premier League defeat at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

The altercation was missed by the match officials but was caught by TV cameras, along with two other unpunished moments when N’Zonzi seemed to raise his arms against opposition players.

The 22-year-old, who has admitted the charge, will now serve a three-match suspension effective immediately, which will rule him out of Rovers’ encounters with Swansea, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion.

N’Zonzi has been a regular for his side in the Premier League this season, but has frequently walked the disciplinary tight-rope and has already amassed six yellow cards so far this campaign.