Ruud accepts charge

Ruud van Nistelrooy has accepted an FA charge of serious foul play.

The Dutch marksman caught Cole on the knee with a nasty-looking tackle during United's stormy 2-0 success at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Referee Mike Riley took no action during the game but The Football Association charged van Nistelrooy with misconduct on Monday after reviewing video evidence.

Van Nistelrooy had until Tuesday to plead guilty or protest his innocence but he has now decided to accept his punishment.

An FA panel will meet on Thursday to discuss the incident but van Nistelrooy is expecting to be served with a three-match suspension.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy has decided to accept The FA's charge of misconduct relating to the incident with Ashley Cole," said a Manchester United statement.

"Ruud has accepted the automatic penalty of a three-match suspension and Manchester United fully supports Ruud's decision."

The striker, who scored a disputed penalty in Sunday's success, remains adamant that he did not deliberately attempt to injure Cole with his challenge.

"Throughout my 10-year career I believe my disciplinary record is very good, not only for Manchester United but at all my previous clubs," he said.

"I accept the charge brought by The FA and I take full responsibility for this incident.

"However, there was no deliberate intent to harm Ashley Cole and I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to him."

If van Nistelrooy is landed with a three-game ban, he will miss the trips to Portsmouth this Saturday and to Newcastle United next month, with the derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford sandwiched in between, although it could depend on the club's progress in the Carling Cup.