Bournemouth Midfielder, Jefferson Lerma Charged With Violent Conduct for Biting Sheffield Player

Bournemouth midfielder, Jefferson Lerma has been charged for violent conduct by the FA, over an alleged bite on an opponent during a match with Sheffield Wednesday on November 3.

The Colombian footballer, 26, 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.

Back in 2013, former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez was handed a 10-game ban after biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic in a match.

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.