Branislav Ivanovic charged by FA for violent conduct

London - BBC News is reporting that Chelsea defender, Branislav Ivanovic, has been charged by the Football Association with violent conduct regarding a clash with Wigan's Shaun Maloney during Saturday's game.

The incident in which Ivanovic appeared to have struck Maloney, wasn't seen by officials during the match, but was caught on video, ESPN reports. According to BBC News, Ivanovic, 28, has been given until 1800 EST Wednesday to respond to the charges which have been brought against him. If found guilty, Ivanovic faces being banned from the FA cup semi-finals against the Spurs, and 2 Premier League matches against Arsenal and QPR, The Guardian reports. The footage from Saturday's game shows Maloney going down from the clash with Ivanovic, BBC News reports. According to The Guardian, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez does not want to see Ivanovic banned. "As a player, if you do something wrong, you should be punished at that moment," Martinez said. You are competing against the opposing team in that game. You should be punished there and then." "I don't see the point of punishing someone retrospectively. That is not something I am keen to see." Martinez was more angry with referee Mike Jones for not doing a better job, and noticing the altercation when it occurred, BBC News reports. Ivanovic has been one of Chelsea's best players this season, The Guardian reports.