Twitter Reacts to Martin Skrtel's Violent Conduct Charge

In the dying seconds of Liverpool's home loss to Manchester United on Sunday, Martin Skrtel lived up to his no-nonsense reputation when he appeared to stamp on David De Gea's leg as he chased a loose ball...

"

Skrtel charged with violent conduct over an "alleged" stamp on David De Gea http://t.co/fT15gstfIq pic.twitter.com/ubS88a57c5

— Mrs. iFloyd (@Artistic_HL) March 23, 2015"

Referee Martin Atkinson missed the incident, but the FA have decided that the Slovakian defender wilfully imprinted his studs into the Spanish goalkeeper, handing him a retrospective violent conduct charge and three games on the naughty step...

Predictably, Twitter was awash with schadenfreude and LOLs when the announcement was made...

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Skrtel to Gerrard: "You will never stamp alone"

— Daryl G (@Young_Dennis) March 23, 2015"

Many Liverpool fans have been keen to point out the lack of consistency in refereeing decisions. Specifically, that Diego Costa was not reprimanded for stamping on Skrtel in January (the Chelsea star's violent conduct charge was due to his other stamp on Emre Can)...

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Nice bit of consistency shown by the @FA #Skrtel #LFC pic.twitter.com/NrE7jhot8i

— Scouse Analysis (@Scouse_Analysis) March 23, 2015"

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Liverpool fans - Demand ban for Costa stamp. Furious at prospect of ban for Skrtel ban. pic.twitter.com/8fw4CNK6LT

— Ash Thompson (@AJT1892) March 23, 2015"

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Martin Skrtel has been charged by the FA over stamp on David De Gea. Diego Costa right now... pic.twitter.com/Xu2T35fQlt

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) March 23, 2015"

There was also some complaint about Wayne Rooney's egregious challenge on Simon Mignolet at the other end...  

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Ignoring the fact that Skrtel shoved Rooney to the floor pic.twitter.com/oDR2fNEUfr

— Eimhin (@BaelyBIind) March 23, 2015"

While few fans jumped to Rooney's defence—nor Diego Costa's when he assumed his alter ego "Stampy McStamperson"—some believed that Skrtel may not have intended to come into contact with DDG...  

However, the majority believed the correct decision was made... 

"

Skrtel deserves a 3 match ban, but god is it irritating.

— James Crump (@TheJamesCrump) March 23, 2015"

Many Liverpool fans were left concerned by the absence of their 30-year-old defender for three of their last eight games—particularly as he appears to be the standout member of the back line...

With eight league games to go and Champions League qualification on the line, it could be time for one of the Internet's favourite players to step up to the plate...

"

Time for big boy Kolo to step up on the absence of Skrtel

— a shaw (@Tone_Shaw) March 23, 2015"

"

Skrtel gets a three match ban and Kolo Toure comes back into the picture with own goals and comedy. It doesn't get any better.

— Mortal Man (@7Giocondo) March 23, 2015"

So, Liverpool have until 6pm on Tuesday to appeal the charge, otherwise defensive responsibilities could fall into the hands of a man who can't be trusted with car keys...