Boro striker charged after clash with PNE's Cunningham

Christhian Stuani and Greg Cunningham battle for possession in Saturday's clash at the Riverside Stadium

It involves a clash with North End left-back Greg Cunningham in the second half last Saturday, one which left Cunningham needing treatment after PNE had defended a corner.

The incident was not seen by the match officials but was caught on video, the game having been shown live abroad and as one of the feature matches on Channel 5 highlights show Football League Tonight.

Stuani has until 6pm on Tuesday to respond to the charge and Middlesbrough have confirmed that they will be lodging an appeal before the deadline.

A statement released by the FA said: “Christhian Stuani has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

“The Middlesbrough forward was involved in an incident in the 54th minute of their game with Preston North End on Saturday 9 April 2016.

“The matter was referred to by a panel of three former elite referees who each reviewed the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they considered it a sending-off offence.

“For an FA charge to follow, the decision by the panel must be unanimous.

“He has until 6pm on April 12, 2016, to respond.”

Uruguayan striker Stuani, a summer signing from Spanish club Espanyol, faces a three-match suspension if found guilty.

Boro won the game 1-0, Albert Adomah scoring in the 32nd minute.