Ivanovic appeals Maloney charge

Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic has appealed against a charge of violent conduct following an incident in Saturday’s win over Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Ivanovic, 28, was caught on video appearing to strike Latics midfielder Shaun Maloney in the midriff moments before Juan Mata’s controversial winner in the Blues’ 2-1 Barclays Premier League victory.

Referee Mike Jones confirmed he and his assistants did not witness the incident, giving the Football Association the green light to investigate it retrospectively.

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An FA Regulatory Commission will hear the case tomorrow based on video evidence from the match and written submissions.

It is understood Ivanovic accepts that there was contact, but denies that it was violent.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will play the MLS All-Stars in a friendly match in Philadelphia on 25 July as part of their pre-season tour of the United States. The all-star team from Major League Soccer have played Manchester United over the last two summers.

Chelsea played in the fixture in 2006. Chelsea’s other match on the tour will be against Seattle Sounders on 18 July.

Former Poland international Peter Nowak will take charge of the MLS All-Stars for the match, which will be played at PPL Park – the home of Philadelphia Union.