LONDON, Jan 23 - Sheffield United forward Keith Gillespie has been charged with violent conduct by the FA for throwing a punch following his dismissal at Reading on Saturday.

Northern Ireland's Gillespie, who has already been banned for three matches after elbowing Stephen Hunt in the Premier League encounter, has also asked his club for a transfer.

United chairman Terry Robinson confirmed the request on their Web site (www.sufc.premiumtv.co.uk) but added: "As far as we're concerned contract negotiations are still ongoing".

Gillespie was sent off moments after coming on as a second-half substitute when he elbowed Hunt in the 3-1 defeat. As he left the pitch he threw a punch at the Reading player.

The incident near the dug-outs at the Madejski stadium sparked a melee with Reading coach Wally Downes confronting United manager Neil Warnock and both were sent to the stands.

Gillespie will miss the three games at home to Fulham, away at Blackburn Rovers and home to Tottenham Hotspur.

The FA said on its Web site (www.the-fa.com) that he had until 1800 GMT on Wednesday to respond to the latest violent conduct charge. The case will be heard next Tuesday.