Arsenal ace Hleb charged for Reading incident

(CNN) -- Arsenal winger Alexander Hleb faces an early end to his season after being charged with violent conduct by the English Football Association.

The Belarus winger could be banned for at least three matches following an off-the-ball clash with Reading captain Graeme Murty during third-placed Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The 26-year-old appeared to strike defender Murty with his open hand, but referee Peter Walton did not see the incident.

However, FA officials have now charged Hleb after watching television footage of the match.

Hleb, who would have been given a three-game ban had he been sent off at the time, now has until Wednesday evening to respond to the charge. A disciplinary panel is due to hear the case on Thursday.

However, officials at Soho Square, as well as Walton himself, have now reviewed television footage and today charged the Arsenal winger.

If found guilty, Hleb -- who has been linked with a summer move to Italian leaders Inter Milan -- will miss the London club's final matches of the season against relegated Derby, UEFA Cup hopefuls Everton and struggling Sunderland.

However, Arsenal may choose not to contest the charge and take the risk of receiving a heavier punishment as Arsene Wenger's side have no chance of winning the league title and are five points ahead of fourth-placed Liverpool.

An FA statement confirmed: "Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has been charged with violent conduct. Hleb was involved in an incident with Reading defender Graeme Murty during the second half of the match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday April 19.

"The incident was not seen by referee Peter Walton. Having now watched video footage of the incident, Walton has informed the FA that, had he seen it at the time, he would have shown Hleb a red card for violent conduct.

"Hleb has until 6 p.m. on Wednesday April 23 to admit or deny the charge. A regulatory commission will hear the case on Thursday April 24."

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Palermo's highly-rated Brazilian striker Amauri, the UK Press Association reported on Monday.

Serie A rivals Juventus are also reportedly interested in the 27-year-old, who is in the process of acquiring Italian citizenship.

But Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini said Arsenal had yet to make an off for the player, who is rated at $32 million.

Zamparini said: "We have not received any offers from Arsenal. Other clubs have contacted from Spain and England, but the problem remains his passport." E-mail to a friend

All About Alexander Hleb • Arsenal FC • Reading FC • Belarus • European Football