<!--Article Start--> <p style="text-align: justify"></p>Liverpool FC defender Martin Skrtel has been charged by the FA for his alleged stamp on David De Gea.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">In the final seconds, with his side trailing 2-1 and desperately chasing an equaliser, Slovakia international Skrtel appeared to crash his studs down on the Spaniard's calf after he had gathered an attempted through ball.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">De Gea reacted angrily to the challenge and squared up to Skrtel, before the pair were separated.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Skrtel avoided any punishment at the time, with Martin Atkinson blowing for full time seconds later.Atkinson missed the incident - but it has been reveiwed by three former referees - who all decided independently of each other that had the official seen it at the time - he would have sent the player off.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">The FA confirmed on Monday that they were looking into the incident and have now charged Skrtel with violent conduct.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">An a FA statement on the matter confirmed, "Martin Skrtel has been charged by The FA for violent conduct following an on-field incident which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"The charge is in relation to an incident involving the Liverpool defender and Manchester United's David de Gea which occurred in the 95th minute of Sunday's game."</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Skrtel has been found guilty by the FA and has until 6pm on 24th March to respond to the charge.The Slovakian faces a three match ban.This is a huge blow for Liverpool,who are now five points behind United in the race for the final Champions League spot following Sunday's defeat.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">They will be without their talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard for three matches after the captain was red carded following a stamp on United midfielder Ander Herrera.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">After the defeat to United, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insisted there was no intent from Skrtel as he made the challenge.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Rodgers said: "I have seen the Martin Skrtel incident. The ball was played through but it probably looks worse in slow motion.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"It looks like he is trying to get a nick on the ball, to get a toe on the ball but the ball went into the goalkeepers hand.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"Martin is not that type of player, he was just a fraction out."</p> <p style="text-align: justify">However, Skrtel's challenge drew criticism from some including Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon.</p>