The Football Association has charged Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel with violent conduct following his clash with Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea during Sunday's Premier League match.
Skrtel appeared to step on the Spaniard in the 95th minute of the match at Anfield, which Liverpool lost 2-1.
The FA said in a statement the incident was not seen by the officials, but was caught on video.
The Slovakian has until 6pm on Tuesday to respond to the charge.
If he were found guilty Skrtel would face a three-match ban, ruling him out of the Premier League matches against Arsenal and Newcastle and the FA Cup quarter-final replay at Blackburn.
The Reds will already have to cope without Steven Gerrard, who was sent off less than a minute after coming on as a half-time substitute for a stamp on Ander Herrera.
The defeat left Liverpool five points behind their opponents in the race for a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, the red card shown in error to West Bromwich Albion defender Gareth McAuley in the Premier League match against Manchester City on Saturday has been transferred to Craig Dawson, the FA said.
McAuley was sent off after 90 seconds when referee Neil Swarbrick failed to identify Dawson as the culprit in bringing down Wilfried Bony when he was through on goal.
Dawson will serve a one-match ban.
