Huth charged with violent conduct for Upson strike

Stoke defender Robert Huth has been charged with violent conduct after striking West Ham's Matthew Upson in Saturday's Premier League game. The German defender swung an arm and appeared to catch Upson in the face as the two players waited for a free-kick in Stoke's 2-1 victory at the Britannia Stadium. The Football Association said Huth had until today to respond to the charge and a disciplinary commission will consider the charge on Thursday.

After the match, Stoke manager Tony Pulis pledged to deal with Huth. Upson collapsed after being caught by Huth's right arm and required several minutes' treatment before returning to action. "I will have a look at it and obviously if he has done it we will speak to him and deal with him in-house," said Pulis.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola gave referee Martin Atkinson the benefit of the doubt but felt the defender should have been sent off. The Italian said: "I saw the incident. Matthew is OK now, he had a few stitches. Looking at the video after the match obviously it was a sending-off. I can only assume the referee didn't see it. I haven't spoken to the referee about it. I don't think I need to talk to him."

Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has agreed terms for a new contract. The 33-year-old, who joined Stoke on a free transfer following their promotion to the Premier League, is set to extend his stay for another two years.

"We've more or less agreed the contract," Sorensen said. "I just need to sign it. It's great that it's sorted out and I can focus on the future here at Stoke because it looks very bright." He will follow midfielders Glenn Whelan and Liam Lawrence and striker Ricardo Fuller in signing new deals, while defender Ryan Shawcross is in talks.