The Australian international fouled York City defender Andrew Jordan then threw the ball at him as he lay on the ground during the clubs' 1-1 friendly draw last week at Bootham Crescent.

Instead of sending Viduka off, a decision which would have earned him a three-match ban, Football League referee Alan Kaye asked Leeds manager Peter Reid to substitute him.

The incident was shown on Sky Sports TV and the FA responded today by charging Kaye with "less than proficiently applying the laws of the game.

"Special instructions were issued to officials about certain incidents and obviously the refereeing department of the FA feel these have not been followed."

Reid, who also replaced defender Michael Duberry in similar circumstances during the match, praised Kaye for his actions at the time.

"I thought the referee was great. He made two mistakes but my players made a lot more than him."

No date has yet been decided for when Kaye's case will be heard at Soho Square.