Manchester United boss José Mourinho has been charged with misconduct in relation to comments he made about referee Anthony Taylor ahead of the game against Liverpool earlier this month, the Football Association confirmed.
The Altrincham-based official’s appointment to oversee the derby on October 17 raised eyebrows amongst Liverpool fans and former referees, with the former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited body Keith Hackett suggesting that it would place undue pressure on Taylor.
When the reservations about Taylor were pointed out to Mourinho ahead of the encounter, the United manager said:
I think Mr Taylor is a very good referee but I think somebody with intention is putting such a pressure on him that I feel that it will be difficult for him to have a very good performance.
Taylor handed out four bookings – all to United players – during the 0-0 draw, but Mourinho praised the referee’s performance afterwards, stating:
He had a good game and I am happy for him because people with responsibilities put a lot of pressure on him and it was very difficult for him to have a good performance, which he had.
However, the Portuguese’s pre-match statements have now landed him in hot water with the FA, with the governing body officially charging him with misconduct.
The FA’s statement in its entirety is below:
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct, in respect of comments he made relating to the appointed match referee prior to the Liverpool FC v Manchester United FC fixture on Monday 17 October 2016.
It is alleged his comments were improper and/or brought the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3(1).
Mr Mourinho has until 6pm on Monday 31 October 2016 to respond to the charge.
