FA warn Santini after United outburst

The Football Association are likely to officially warn Tottenham manager Jacques Santini after the Frenchman implied improper collusion between referee Peter Walton and Manchester United with comments after their clash at White Hart Lane.

Santini’s team were beaten for the first time this season by a controversial penalty three minutes before half-time

And he can expect a brusque letter from Soho Square after he told press and television interviewers that, during half-time, “the referee was seen laughing and smiling with their (United’s) players and officials”.

He added: “I have maybe seen that twice before in all my years as a coach and that is unbelievable. I do not know what was said between the referee and the people of Manchester United but the referee did not come into our dressing room.”

The FA have seemingly dismissed Santini’s allegations as something lost in translation but they are concerned by his remarks and want to remind managers of their responsibilities when speaking publicly.

There is unlikely to be any tangible punishment directed at Santini, however.