Crystal Palace manager Trevor Francis has been charged by the Football Association with "violent or threatening behaviour" for hitting one of his own players for laughing after the team conceded a goal.
Francis admitted that he had struck Latvian reserve goalkeeper Alex Kolinko in the dug-out after going a goal down to Bradford City in a first division game at Selhurst Park on 13 August. The former England international has 14 days to respond to the charge. If found guilty, Francis faces a possible fine and touchline ban.
Francis, who was dismissed from the dug-out by referee Paul Armstrong after the incident in the 1-1 draw, said he had only "cuffed him (Kolinko) around the ear".
Although Kolinko subsequently made an allegation of common assault to police, no charges were laid. The FA decided to investigate after the referee included the incident in his official match report.
Blackburn manager Graeme Souness was fined £15,000 and given a three-match touchline ban for insulting officials during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on 28 August.
Souness protested over a strong challenge from Emile Heskey on Nils-Eric Johansson. He said at the time: “I was sent off for the first time in a long time. My sending-off was probably the only thing the ref got right”.
Gordon Strachan escaped with a warning after being reported for his touchline conduct during Southampton's 1-0 win at Everton last month.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
