PAPY DJILOBODJI is looking to avoid a four-match ban after denying a charge of violent conduct dished out by the Football Association.

The Sunderland defender had until 6pm last night to respond to the charge and it is understood he is to dispute it and is facing a disciplinary hearing.

Djilobodji was caught on video appearing to shove Darren Fletcher in the face as they jostled for position in the closing stages of Saturday’s defeat at West Bromwich Albion.

Referee Craig Pawson didn’t include the incident in his report but the FA are looking to retrospectively punish the Senegalese centre-back after reviewing replays.

If found guilty he will be missing for four matches, as it is his second red card of the campaign, and Sunderland are already short of options.

Manager David Moyes added free agent Joleon Lescott to his squad on Tuesday to boost defensive options, while Lamine Kone is expected back from Africa Cup of Nations duty before Tuesday’s visit of Tottenham.

Moyes has already been rocked this week by the news that key forward Victor Anichebe is to miss the next ten weeks with a knee ligament injury.