Former Wales, Swansea City and Everton defender Ashley Williams will contest an FA charge over an incident at his son's Under-12s football match.
The ex-Wales skipper has been charged with improper conduct and violent, threatening behaviour following the altercation in the East Manchester Junior Football League match between Corinthians and his son's side TSC, according to the Daily Mail. The match, which took place last month, was subsequently abandoned, the report says.
The alleged incident, which is reported to have been captured on video camera, is said to have been sparked by a clash between players on the pitch, with Williams then becoming involved with another adult.
A spokesperson for Williams said: "Ashley had been assaulted and was defending himself. We have 45 witnesses – including people associated with the two teams who were about to use the pitch - who will back up our version of events and we will defend Ashley vigorously." He is said to have requested a personal hearing and is expected to continue in his role as a BBC TV pundit.
The FA told WalesOnline the matter is being managed by the Manchester County FA.
A spokesman for Manchester County FA said: "Following an investigation, Mr Williams has been charged by Manchester FA with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct (including violent conduct and threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour), and has responded to the charge requesting a personal hearing."
A BBC spokesperson told the Mail: "This is a personal matter for Ashley and the sport’s governing body."
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