Bradley Johnson is facing a minimum four-game ban after being charged with violent conduct by the Football Association for the “bite” on Stoke midfielder Joe Allen.

Johnson, the Derby midfielder, appeared to sink his teeth into Allen’s jersey and shoulder after a huge melee in the first half and the FA has taken action after reviewing TV evidence on Thursday.

Allen had insisted after the game that Johnson had not bitten him but the FA has judged that he should face trial by independent panel as there was clear intent.

Both players were booked by referee Darren England after the incident, which has been compared to Luis Suarez’s bite which earned him a ten-game ban at Liverpool.

The FA is arguing that Johnson’s actions could be worse than a standard three-match ban and it will now go before an Independent Regulatory Commission. The hearing is set to take place on Friday.