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FA charge José Mourinho with misconduct

The United boss criticised the selection of referee Anthony Taylor for United's goalless draw with Liverpool.

David Rogers/Getty Images

Poor José Mourinho. The Manchester United manager's post-derby celebrations have been curtailed by the news he's been charged with misconduct by the FA. Though he is known for making rather provocative comments, Mourinho's latest faux pas is relatively tame. He's been charged for comments made over the selection of Anthony Taylor -- a Mancunian -- as referee for United's recent draw with Liverpool. Ahead of the match, Mourinho 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."

It's almost certainly the use of the term "with intention" that has landed Mourinho in hot water here. For though anyone with common sense may agree that Taylor's selection for the Liverpool match was needlessly incendiary, Mourinho seems to suggest it was a deliberate attempt to sabotage the game. By association, therefore, he committed the cardinal sin of calling the FA's integrity into question.

The FA's full statement is copied 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.