Football
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Blackburn's Hope Akpan faces violent conduct charge

Blackburn midfielder Hope Akpan faces an additional suspension after being charged with violent conduct following his midweek sending-off against Sheffield Wednesday.

The club are also facing censure after being charged with failing to control their players by the Football Association after Tuesday's Championship game at Hillsborough ended in controversy.

Akpan was sent off for pushing referee Scott Duncan after having what would have been a late equaliser disallowed for handball.

The offence has already incurred an automatic three-match suspension but the FA has now brought the extra charge of violent conduct against the 25-year-old.

Rovers could also be in trouble for the behaviour of players around the controversial incidents.

A statement from the FA read: "It is alleged that in or around the 87th minute, the club failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

"In addition, Rovers player Hope Akpan has been charged in relation to his 87th-minute dismissal during this match.

"It is alleged that his behaviour constituted violent conduct in circumstances where the standard punishment that would otherwise apply is clearly insufficient."

Akpan has until Monday evening to respond to the charge, with Rovers needing to answer theirs by the following day.

Another Rovers player, Elliott Bennett, has already been served with a two-match ban for using offensive language towards officials after the final whistle. Rovers lost the match 2-1.

Blackburn, who are 23rd in the Championship, host Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round this weekend.

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