Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye will challenge the charge of violent conduct that was handed to him by the Football Association.

The 26-year-old was cited by the FA for an incident with Brighton & Hove Albion defender Adam El-Abd on Saturday evening, in which he appeared to kick out at the player as the two fell to the floor.

However, Magpies manager Alan Pardew has stood by his player.

"I am absolutely livid about it, if I am honest, because firstly, when the incident happened, I didn't see anything wrong with it," Pardew told reporters. "After the game, someone said to me the TV coverage, especially the presenter, Ray Stubbs, was so ferocious about it, and I couldn't understand that.

"He had two professionals on that show telling him that the guy was trying to keep the player from tumbling on him.

"I have reviewed that about seven or eight times and seriously, he is trying to stop the boy falling on him."

Cabaye faces a three-match suspension if found guilty of the charge.