Mourinho ready to contest FA charge

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has requested a personal FA hearing and denied an improper conduct charge levelled at him after his dismissal in the controversial loss at Aston Villa earlier this month.

Mourinho had until 6pm next Monday to address the charges and on Friday intimated he would contest, with the FA understood to now be preparing for a personal hearing.

The Portuguese was sent to the stands by referee Chris Foy in stoppage time of the 1-0 loss at Villa Park after approaching the official. Mourinho went on to the pitch following a red card being shown to Ramires.