Bradford City top scorer Lee Mills will this week answer a charge of misconduct from the Football Association in the hope he can avoid a suspension.

The 28-year-old was involved in a bust-up with a linesman after confronting the official at the end of City's 2-1 defeat at Hudders-field Town in November.

The incident was believed to have been sparked by the linesman's decision to award a throw in to Town just before they scored their winner.

Wayne Jacobs was tackled by Town's Steve Jenkins in the second half and the ball went out of play. Replays showed that it should have been a City throw, but the linesman disagreed.

He awarded the throw to Town and when Jenkins launched the ball into the penalty area, it was flicked on by Paul Barnes for Grant Johnson to slam the winner past Gary Walsh.

An FA spokesman said: "Lee Mills will appear before a disciplinary hearing in Manchester on Thursday January 28. There is no ceiling on what any punishment can be."

City chairman Geoffrey Richmond said: "Lee will be pleading guilty to the charge but also explaining what we believe are mitigating cirucmstances. He will be represented by the Professional Footballers' Assoc-iation."

If Mills receives a ban it will come into effect 14 days after the hearing - which means he may miss the Ipswich Town game.

The top scorer had an excellent disciplinary record before the Huddersfield game and had not even picked up a yellow card following his £1 million move from Port Vale.

That should count in his favour although since the Terriers clash, Mills has served a one-game ban for a sending off at Swindon.

The City striker was unlucky to receive a caution in the first half before foolishly kicking the ball away when play had been stopped to earn a second caution which meant his dismissal.

City have the best disciplinary record in the First Division this season with just 28 cautions and one dismissal in league games. Sheffield United have the worst with 58 yellow and six red cards.

The Bantams figures contrast to last season when they had one of the worst records in the Nationwide League.

City's good behaviour was illustrated during the midweek victory over Crystal Place where despite intimidation from a physical visiting side which had left back Fan Zhiyi sent off, Paul Jewell's men would not be drawn into retaliation.

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