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.

Mourinho claimed he was only attempting to talk to Foy but the ref was not interested and dismissed the Chelsea boss. Mourinho also said he asked to speak to Foy in the referee’s room, but the request was turned down.

The Blues boss then called on the Premier League not to appoint Foy for future Chelsea matches.