Sounness facing another touchline ban

GRAEME SOUNESS is facing another three-match touchline ban following his sending-off during Blackburn’s Worthington Cup win at Wigan.

Souness was given his marching orders for the third time this year after an altercation with fourth official Matt Messias.

The Football Association’s disciplinary committee will await referee Andy D’Urso’s report, and if necessary study video evidence, before deciding Souness’ fate.

The Rovers boss only returned to the touchline last month after a three-game ban and £15,000 fine for abusing referee Steve Bennett during Blackburn’s home draw with Liverpool.

He was banned for one match and fined £10,000 in April for abusing Graham Barber during Rovers’ 1-0 FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Middlesbrough in February.

Souness was furious with his dismissal at the JJB Stadium, insisting he had merely questioned the linesman’s judgement after Wigan were awarded a corner.

He angrily confronted fourth official Messias on the touchline and appeared to poke him in the chest before Messias made D’Urso aware of the altercation.

If Souness still feels hard done by he may challenge any punishment which is meted out.

Souness insisted after the Liverpool match he would grudgingly accept his punishment despite insisting he never used foul and abusive language towards Bennett.

“I’m extremely disappointed with the ban but will take it this time. But if I felt this way again I would take it as far as I possibly could,” he raged.

“If that meant going outside football I would do it because I have been treated badly.”

The FA does not have specific suspension periods for banished managers, but is sure to take into account Souness’ previous clashes with officials.

Souness also served a four-match ban for disputes with officials during his time in charge at Liverpool.

Souness’ injury problems continued to clear up at the JJB Stadium with the successful reintroduction of Stig Inge Bjornebye after eight months out with an eye problem.

Ironically Bjornebye’s last first-team appearance came in the FA Cup defeat at Middlesbrough last season during which Souness was also sent off.

The Norwegian, who started and played 80 minutes of the 2-0 win, said: “It was a major step for me.

“I felt rusty and I was tired at the end, but it’s what I’ve been working hard for.

“I need a lot more to be fully match-fit but I am on my way.”