The former Wales captain Ashley Williams has been charged by the Football Association with improper conduct during a children’s match. The 38-year-old former Swansea and Everton defender has been charged in relation to a confrontation with an opposition coach during an under-12s game in Manchester in which his son was playing. Williams has requested a personal hearing and will contest the charge. A spokesperson for Williams told the Daily Mail: “Ashley had been assaulted and was defending himself. We have 45 witnesses – including people associated with the two teams who were about to use the pitch – who will back up our version of events and we will defend Ashley vigorously.” Manchester County FA said: “Following an investigation, Mr Williams has been charged by Manchester FA with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 – improper conduct (including violent conduct and threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour) – and has responded to the charge requesting a personal hearing.” Williams, who played 86 times for Wales, announced his retirement from football in January 2021.