Striker charged for kicking keeper in face

Dec 24, 2017 - 10:04 AM Southampton striker Charlie Austin has been charged with violent conduct after his boot caught the face of Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl during their Premier League clash.

The Danish goalkeeper was left with a bloodied face and a suspected broken nose after the incident in Saturday's 1-1 draw at St Mary's Stadium.

Austin, who scored his fifth goal in five starts before departing with a hamstring injury, avoided punishment for the incident during the contest, but could now face a retrospective ban from the Football Association.

Austin has until 5pm on Sunday to respond to the charge.

Huddersfield manager David Wagner took aim at the 28-year-old Austin after the match.

''After seeing the video footage, this should usually never happen, that an opponent hurts another opponent on purpose,'' Wagner said.

''I don't like to say this, but it looks this way.

"Jonas as well was absolutely surprised. This was a nasty challenge and nothing I like to see.

"Charlie Austin made the wrong decision in this moment."

Austin netted the opener midway through the first half, but was substituted in the second half with a hamstring complaint.

Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino confirmed he is likely to be sidelined for the remainder of the festive schedule but defended Austin's actions in chasing the loose ball.

"I don't think that Charlie goes with bad intention in this moment," he said.

"It is part of football, football is a sport with a lot of contacts.

"I respect everybody's opinion, but I did not observe bad intention."

Source: AAP