Jefferson Lerma is alleged to have bitten an opposing player in the 83rd minute of Bournemouth's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on November 3; The midfielder "strenuously denies" the allegation and will request a hearing with the FA after being charged with violent conduct
Tuesday 22 December 2020 11:13, UK
Jefferson Lerma has been charged with violent conduct after allegedly biting an opponent in Bournemouth's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on November 3.
The Bournemouth midfielder is alleged to have bitten an opponent in the 83rd minute of the Sky Bet Championship match at Hillsborough.
A statement released by the FA read: "AFC Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.
"It is alleged that the midfielder committed an act of violent conduct by biting a Sheffield Wednesday FC player during the 83rd minute of an EFL Championship game on Tuesday 3 November 2020.
"Jefferson Lerma has until Thursday 24 December 2020 to provide a response."
Bournemouth say Lerma "strenuously denies the allegation" and has "cooperated fully with the FA's initial investigations into the alleged incident".
"He will request a hearing over the charge," read a club statement.
"AFC Bournemouth fully support Jefferson and will continue to do so throughout the process."
Colombia international Lerma faces the prospect of a lengthy suspension if the charge is upheld.
Former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez was handed a 10-game ban after biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in a match in 2013.
Bradley Johnson was banned for four games after biting Joe Allen in a match between Derby County and Stoke in 2018, while Burton Albion goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara was banned for six games for biting an opponent earlier this year.
