Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association for his elbow on Tyrone Mings during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. Mings has been charged with the same offence for stamping on the United striker’s head.

The flashpoints occurred within moments of each other during a surprisingly spiteful contest at Old Trafford on Saturday and were missed by the referee, Kevin Friend. The official submitted his report to the FA on Monday morning and said he had not seen them. A panel of three former elite referees watched the footage independently and unanimously agreed charges should be brought.

If Ibrahimovic receivesis found guilty he faces a three-match ban, ruling him out of the FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Monday, as well as the Premier League matches at Middlesbrough and home to West Bromwich Albion.

Mings could receive a longer ban because stamping is considered a more serious offence. The FA said it has “submitted a claim that the standard punishment that would otherwise apply for the misconduct committed by the Bournemouth defender is ‘clearly insufficient’”. The panel judging the charge will decide on any punishment.

Both players protested their innocence, with Mings insisting he accidentally trod on Ibrahimovic as he attempted to jump over two United players lying on the ground.

The Swede claimed Mings “jumped into my elbow” and he did not target him for retribution. They have until 6pm on Tuesday to reply to the charges.