Ivanovic, 28, was caught on video appearing to strike Latics midfielder Shaun Maloney in the midriff moments before Juan Mata's controversial winner in the Blues' 2-1 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge

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Referee Mike Jones confirmed he and his assistants did not witness the incident, giving the Football Association the green light to investigate it retrospectively.

An FA Regulatory Commission will hear the case on Thursday based on video evidence and written submissions.

It is understood Ivanovic accepts that there was contact, but denies that it was violent.