Image copyright Reuters

The police officer who mistakenly arrested former tennis star James Blake will face an excessive force charge.

Last month, police forced the former tennis star to the ground after mistaking him for a fraud suspect.

Mr Blake's complaint that officers used unnecessary force was upheld by New York's independent agency that deals with police misconduct.

This decision opens the door for an administrative trial that could result in disciplinary action or termination.

The two officers were seen on video grabbing Blake by the arm and shoving him to the ground.

The review board ruled Officer James Frascatore used excessive force and Detective Daniel Herzog abused his authority.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Video shows officer slamming James Blake

Officer Frascatore had been named in civil rights lawsuits alleging excessive force in the past and was placed on desk duty follow Mr Blake's arrest.

Blake, once the fourth-ranked tennis player in the world, was in New York to watch the US Open.

The New York Police Commissioner apologised to Blake after the incident.