West Ham handed a huge blow due to sanctions

Olympic Stadium

West Ham star Manuel Lanzini has been charged for diving in an attempt to win a penalty during his side’s 3-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday.

The 24-year old went down during the first half following a challenge from Erik Pieters and ended up winning a penalty which was converted by Mark Noble to open the scoring.

The decision to award the penalty was of major frustration to Stoke manager Mark Hughes who is under serious pressure as a result of his team’s recent struggles.

The Argentina Lanzini will have until 6Pm on Tuesday to respond to the charge which is known as “successful deception of a match official”.

The rule is new this season and comes when there is clear evidence that a player fooled an official into winning a penalty or getting an opponent sent off either via a red-card or a straight yellow.

Should Lanzini not successfully appeal the decision, he will receive a two match ban.