JAMES Tarkowski has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association for an elbow on Brighton striker Glenn Murray.

The Clarets centre back appeared to swing an elbow into Murray's ribs during the first half of Saturday's goalless draw at the AMEX Stadium.

The incident happened inside the penalty area but referee Chris Kavanagh didn't see what had gone on.

Tarkowski has been given until 6pm tomorrow to respond but could face a three-game ban which would rule him out of the festive fixtures with Tottenham, Manchester United and Huddersfield.

An FA spokesman said: "Burnley’s James Tarkowski has been charged by The FA with violent conduct following an incident with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Glenn Murray.

"It happened in the 35th minute of the game on Saturday [16/12/17] and was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

"He has until 6pm on Tuesday [19/12/17] to respond.

"Off the ball incidents which are not seen at the time are referred by The FA to a panel of three former elite match officials.

"Each panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence.

"For retrospective action to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the decision of the panel must be unanimous."

Speaking before the charge Burnley boss Sean Dyche said it would be 'a tough one' to take if Tarkowski was punished.

“I think it would be a tough one," he said. "We saw (Romelu) Lukaku the other week, who wasn’t charged (for a similar incident) against Brighton.

“I think, there’s no suggestion there wasn’t contact with the elbow, but I think we’re suggesting people go down rather easily now, we can suggest that."