Souness to state case to FA

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness will ask for a personal hearing after being charged with improper conduct.

The Scot was hit with an FA charge after being sent from the dug-out by referee Howard Webb during Sunday’s 4-1 home defeat by Fulham.

Souness was furious after the official had failed to spot what he felt was a foul on Alan Shearer by Zat Knight in the run-up to the visitors’ opening goal and then decided not to award a penalty three minutes later when his captain appeared to be felled by Papa Bouba Diop.

“I am asking for a personal hearing after being charged with improper conduct and sent from the dug-out during last week’s match against Fulham,” he wrote in the programme for today’s Barclays Premiership clash with Manchester United.

“I don’t believe I should have been sent off and I certainly don’t think I should have been charged, and I am determined to fight my case.”