Pochettino Charged By FA For Improper Conduct

By Max Wise

Tottenham Hotspurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has been charged by the Football Association for angrily confronting referee Mike Dean following Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor last Saturday.

The usually calm Argentine was livid with the match officials for wrongfully awarding the hosts a corner kick which led to their opener in the defeat.

Pochettino admitted afterwards that he was wrong to behave the way he did and was ready to accept the consequences of his actions.

"I am going to accept everything that can happen from the FA. But what happened on the pitch I hope is not going further," he told Sky Sports.

A statement from the FA read: "Mauricio Pochettino has been charged with two breaches of FA Rule E3 following the game against Burnley on Saturday [23 February 2019].

"It is alleged the Tottenham Hotspur manager's language and/or behaviour at the end of the fixture - both on the pitch and in or around the tunnel area - amounted to improper conduct.

"He has until 18:00 on 28 February 2019 to respond to the charge."

Mike Dean was supposed to be the fourth official at Tottenham’s next League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday but the incident means Andre Marriner has taken his place instead, with Dean acting as fourth official at Manchester City’s home game against West Ham United the same day.

Tottenham’s defeat meant the gap between them and leaders Liverpool has increased to six points, putting their chances of winning the title in jeopardy.