Fiery Souness’ blast could land him in more hot water

BLACKBURN manager Graeme Souness could find himself in more hot water with the FA following his verbal blast at Aston Villa defender Ronny Johnsen.

Souness has already requested a personal FA hearing after being charged following an altercation with fourth official Matt Messias during Rovers' Worthington Cup quarter-final win at Wigan in December which ended with the fiery Scot being sent from the dugout.

And the former Liverpool manager did not hold back on Sunday as he accused former Manchester United and Norway centre-back Johnsen of trying to get Rovers defender James McEveley sent off during his side's 3-0 defeat at Villa Park.

McEveley was involved in a heavy challenge with Villa full-back Mark Delaney, which forced the Wales international to be substituted with an ankle problem 10 minutes from time.

But Souness' wrath was directed at Johnsen after he protested about the challenge by McEveley to referee Mike Dean.

The FA confirmed yesterday they were "aware" of Souness' comments.

Souness was given a three-game touchline ban by the FA in November last year and fined £15,000 for abusing referee Steve Bennett during Blackburn's home draw with Liverpool.

He was also suspended from the dugout for one match and fined £10,000 in April for abusing Graham Barber during Rovers' 1-0 FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Middlesbrough.