West Ham manager David Moyes is surprised by the Football Association’s decision to charge Manuel Lanzini for diving.
But Moyes admits West Ham are yet to decide if they will appeal against the Argentinian’s two-match ban before Tuesday’s deadline of 6pm.
Lanzini won a penalty against Stoke on Saturday after he was challenged by Erik Pieters, with Hammers captain Mark Noble converting from the spot to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The decision infuriated Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who is now under even more pressure following their 3-0 home defeat.
Lanzini is the second Premier League player to be charged for the “successful deception of a match official” – in this case referee Graham Scott – after Everton striker Oumar Niasse was the first to be penalised last month.
“I am a bit surprised because of the incident in the game,” Moyes said. “The referee was 10 yards from the ball with nothing blocking his vision.
Lanzini is now set to be suspended for West Ham’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal on Tuesday, as well their crunch basement battle with Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.
Any appeal would be heard by a separate, independent disciplinary commission and there is no risk of Lanzini’s ban being increased if the charge is upheld.
The FA will also complete the fast-track process in time for Tuesday’s match, although Lanzini is likely to be rested anyway for the Carabao Cup clash at Emirates Stadium.
New this season, a simulation charge only comes when there is clear evidence a player has fooled an official into winning a penalty or getting an opponent sent off, either via a straight red card or second yellow.
WHam have nothing to lose by appealing. Would be heard in time for Tues match (although Lanzini likely to be rested) and no chance of ban being increased.
In Monday’s Daily Mail, ex-referee Graham Poll wrote that he thought Lanzini would avoid a charge, describing it as “a bit of a dive but not an outrageous” one.
“I’m sorry if that doesn’t make sense but that’s how hard it is to referee players such as Manuel Lanzini,” Poll added.
Speaking to reporters after Saturday’s game, Hughes said: “I’ve seen it again. The guy’s dived. He’s drawn the challenge. He’s a clever player.