Television replays showed Beckford striking Forde in the face with an elbow as the two players waited for a corner to be delivered during the second half of Leeds' 2-0 win, and referee Alan Wiley booked the United forward after consulting with one of his linesmen.
Beckford's clash with Forde was one of several flare-ups in a game that also saw Andy Robinson flattened by one of Ali Fuseini's elbows during first half stoppage time.
But Wiley's written match report has since confirmed that Beckford's yellow card was issued for pushing inside the area, rather than his use of an elbow, and the FA have charged the 25-year-old with a breach of Rule E3.
The matter has been fast-tracked by the governing body and Beckford has been offered the chance to accept a three-match ban.
He also has the option of contesting the charge at a disciplinary hearing scheduled to be held this Friday, 24 hours before Leeds are due to meet Huddersfield Town.
The striker has been given until 6pm on Thursday to admit or deny the charge.