Ex-Liverpool and Rangers midfielder facing potential ban after FA charge after Bristol Rovers match

Bristol Rovers face being without midfielder Jordan Rossiter after he was charged by the Football Association for violent conduct in the 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury Town.

An alleged incident in the first-half of the match has seen the former Liverpool and Rangers midfielder pick up a charge by the FA, for an incident not seen by the officials

Referee Sam Purkiss missed the incident but the alleged act was later picked up by the broadcast cameras, which allowed the FA and their respective panel to view it.

After the referee blows for a foul in Rovers favour, the ball is handled by Tom Bayliss, in which Rossiter makes an attempt to catch the ball but seemingly catches the opposition player who goes to ground.

The midfielder moves away from the situation but holds his head in his hands whilst Bayliss' teammates surround him whilst others move to the referee to assess the situation. Neither player was booked for the incident with Purkiss issuing a warning to the players.

A statement from the FA read: “Bristol Rovers FC’s Jordan Rossiter has been charged with a breach of FA Rule 1.1 following the EFL League One fixture against Shrewsbury Town FC on Saturday. “It is alleged that during the 32nd minute of the fixture, the midfielder’s behaviour amounted to violent conduct in an incident on the field of play which was not seen by match officials. He has until Tuesday to provide a response.”

By the FA's definition, violent conduct is when a player uses or attempts to use 'excessive force or brutality' against an opponent when not challenging for the ball, regardless of whether any contact is made. Any player when not challenging for the ball 'deliberately' striking an opponent or any other person is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was 'negligible'.

Rovers have an EFL Trophy match away against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on Tuesday evening, but they will have to decide quickly whether to appeal with a Tuesday deadline.

Rossiter has played five matches for the Gas since joining for an undisclosed fee from League One rivals Fleetwood Town earlier this summer.