West Ham's Lanzini charged with deceiving match official

West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini is facing the prospect of a retrospective ban after the Football Association charged the Argentine on Monday with "successful deception of a match official".

The charge stems from an incident in the 18th minute of Saturday's match when a penalty was awarded against Stoke City after Lanzini appeared to simulate a foul.

The incident proved costly for the struggling Potters, as Mark Noble converted the spot-kick before the Hammers added another two goals en route to a decisive 3-0 victory.

If found guilty, Lanzini, who has until Dec. 19 to respond to the charge, will be banned for two matches as part of a new initiative introduced by the FA aimed at eliminating instances of players deceiving match officials by diving or feigning injury.

Such incidents are reviewed by an independent three-man panel of a former manager, former player, and former referee. Sanctions are only imposed if the three are unanimous in their judgment.

Everton forward Oumar Niasse was the first player the FA charged with "successful deception of a match official" following an incident against Crystal Palace. He was subsequently banned for two matches after his unsuccessful appeal.