Moyes ready to answer accusations

DAVID MOYES is prepared for a showdown with referee Steve Bennett after the bust-up that ended with the Everton manager being sent from the dug-out at the weekend.

Moyes was involved in a touchline row with the official, who claimed he was guilty of “using foul and abusive language and improper behaviour” after West Brom were awarded a controversial penalty during Everton’s eventual 2-1 win at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

But Moyes insists he did not swear at the official and did not barge into linesman Carl Bassindale. The Goodison chief claimed: “He ran into me.”

Now Moyes says he will demand a personal hearing and “will contest every word Mr Bennett has alleged that I said”.

The Football Association are waiting for the referee’s report on what is increasingly becoming a feud between Moyes and the official, before deciding on further action. But Moyes seems certain to be charged and could face serious consequences if he is found guilty of “improper behaviour” regarding the alleged clash with Bassindale.

This is the worst way possible for Moyes to be embarking on the build-up to Saturday’s home derby with Liverpool.

Moyes said: “If they want to charge me in any way I will be seeking a personal hearing to put my case forward.

“I have witnesses who can vouch very strongly that I didn’t swear and that I didn’t use foul and abusive language. I think that the referee probably had an opinion of me before the game because of the situation at Southampton earlier in the season.

“I have the people who were standing next to me to vouch for what I really said. There doesn’t seem to be any way of having your say with referees, but I will make my views clear when I get the opportunity of a hearing.”

The uproar followed Albion’s penalty, for handball against Alan Stubbs. Moyes added: “I have had the chance to watch it a couple of times, the referee doesn’t get that opportunity. But it looks as if (Danny) Dichio pushed Alan Stubbs and the ball hit his arm.”

Moyes has already had one run-in with Bennett this season when the official gave another controversial penalty against Everton at Southampton.

And things could get even worse if the FA decide to refer Thomas Gravesen’s tackle in the previous weekend’s victory over Newcastle to their review panel. The FA did not make a decision on Gravesen last week but they confirmed the situation was still under review.