The O’s midfielder apologises profusely to ball boy and Plymouth Argyle for incident on Tuesday night

Leyton Orient have appeared against the charge given to Liam Kelly by the Football Association for allegedly committing an act of violent conduct during the match with Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night.

The 27-year-old is alleged to have shoved one of Argyle’s ball boys in the 86th minute of the League Two game, which O’s won 3-2.

An FA statement released yesterday, read: “It is alleged Liam Kelly committed an act of violent conduct in the 86th minute which was not seen by the match officials, but caught on video, contrary to Rule E3.

“Furthermore, The FA submitted a claim that the standard punishment for this alleged offence would be clearly insufficient.”

Orient have responded this evening with a statement, which read: “It was never the intention of Liam to be violent and he apologises profusely to both the ball boy and Plymouth Argyle.

“The club strongly deny the accusation of violent conduct given to the player and reference an incident involving Matt Ritchie whilst playing for Swindon Town in a game against Oxford United on March 3, 2012, where the player was only cautioned for a similar offence.

“In addition an incident involving Eden Hazard during a Capital One Cup match on January 23, 2013 for Chelsea against Swansea City also took place, where the player not only pushed, but also kicked the ball boy in the ribs. This incident was heard by a Commission, where a three-game ban was deemed sufficient.

“Due to this we feel that what happened on Tuesday with Liam is no more serious than the above cases.”

The FA are expected to make an announcement regarding the violent conduct charge this evening.