WANDERERS are to fight a charge of improper conduct against Tal Ben Haim for his part in the incident which has earned Waye Rooney a three match ban.

The FA charge against Haim relates to his alleged exaggerated reaction to what was only minimal contact from Rooney in the Boxing Day clash between the clubs at Old Trafford.

He fell to the floor in a theatrical manner and remained there for an extended period of time which brought widespread criticism, including from his own manager, Sam Allardyce, who said he had "gone too far"

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was more cutting in his condemnation of the Wanderers player.

He said: "He lay down there for about two minutes rolling around, which is absolutely disgraceful as far as I am concerned."

The Manchester United striker will sit out the Premiership matches against Middlesbrough - on Saturday - and Tottenham as well as the FA Cup clash with non-league Exeter.

The ban was imposed after United decided not to appeal, even though manager Sir Alex Ferguson described the disciplinary system as "flawed and immoral."

Wanderers have until January 20 to respond to the Haim charge but Allardyce was reported on Wednesday night to be adamant the club would appeal. He told the Daily Mail: "In our opinion we do not think he should be charged, so we are defending it."

And a statement on Wanderers official web site on Thursday said: "Bolton Wanderers are set to contest the Football Association's decision to charge defender Tal Ben Haim with improper conduct following an incident with Wayne Rooney on Boxing Day. The football club has until 20 January to respond to the charge."