O'Leary denies FA charge

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has denied a charge of using ‘abusive and/or insulting words’ towards referee Graham Poll following the derby victory over Birmingham.

O’Leary was charged over his conduct towards Poll after the final whistle of the game which Villa won 1-0 at St Andrews on October 16.

The former Leeds manager was also reminded of his responsibilities in relation to his post-match behaviour, when he celebrated Villa’s first Premiership win over Blues in seven attempts by charging across the field to salute chairman Doug Ellis.

O’Leary denied there was anything wrong with his actions when he stood on the pitch in front of the directors’ box with a clenched fist, claiming he was just glad to “see the smiles on the faces” of his Villa Park colleagues and Ellis.

He has now requested a personal hearing which will be scheduled in due course.