CHERRIES midfielder Jefferson Lerma has been charged by the FA for allegedly biting an opponent in last month's contest against Sheffield Wednesday.

A statement from Cherries insist the Colombian "strenuously denies" the claim and will request a hearing over the charge.

The incident, which contravenes FA Rule E3, is said to have occurred in the 83rd minute of the game at Hillsborough on November 3, which Cherries lost 1-0.

Video footage from that game shows Lerma tussling with Wednesday's Josh Windass in the penalty area as the pair awaited a free-kick to be swung into the box by Jack Stacey.

The game saw both sides end with 10 men. Steve Cook was dismissed by referee Jeremy Simpson for a professional foul before Owls midfielder Kadeem Harris was given his marching orders in second-half stoppage time for a tangle with Lerma.

Cherries say Lerma has "cooperated fully" with the FA's initial investigations into the alleged biting incident and that the club "fully support Jefferson and will continue to do so throughout the process".

The Daily Echo understands Cherries were made aware of the claims after the game at Hillsborough, almost two months ago, and subsequently submitted their version of events the following week.

The club then heard nothing more about the claims until this week when the charge was announced.

Lerma has until Thursday to officially respond to the charge.