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Sunderland defender Papy Djilobodji denies FA violent conduct charge over 'punch' on Darren Fletcher in the face of potential four-match ban

Sunderland defender Papy Djilobodji has denied a Football Association charge of violent conduct.

The 28-year-old Senegal international will plead his case before an independent regulatory commission hearing, the date for which has yet to be set.

Djilobodji had until 6pm on Monday to respond to the charge, which relates to an incident involving West Brom skipper Darren Fletcher during Saturday's 2-0 Premier League defeat at the Hawthorns.

Darren Fletcher (left) confrontsu00a0Papy Djilobodji during West Brom's win over Sunderland
Darren Fletcher (left) confronts Papy Djilobodji during West Brom's win over Sunderland
Djilobodji faces a four-match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the FA
Djilobodji faces a four-match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the FA

Should the central defender fail to persuade the commission of his innocence, he faces a four-game ban having been sent off against Hull for two bookable offences earlier in the season.