Redknapp hit by FA charge

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has until February 27 to respond to a charge of using abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official by the Football Association following his side’s win against Manchester City on Saturday.

Redknapp was sent to the stands during the 2-1 victory, during which midfielder Pedro Mendes was taken off on a stretcher following a challenge by City midfielder Joey Barton.

No news has been forthcoming from the FA regarding Barton – or Wigan manager Paul Jewell, who expects to be charged for his scathing attack on referee Phil Dowd following the 2-1 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday.

The FA are now in receipt of all the relevant reports from match officials.

At Fratton Park Mendes was carried off following a poor challenge from Barton which left Pompey boss Redknapp less than impressed and he was sent to the stands for the second half by referee Mike Dean following his protests.

The FA are also to be informed of an alleged incident involving a unnamed City player at the end of the game.

Hampshire Police have stressed they are not launching an investigation, but will be liaising with the FA after being alerted by one of their officers.

City responded with a statement, issued to the Manchester Evening News, in which they insist Barton “made no offensive gesture” as he left the pitch at the end of the game.

Jewell, meanwhile, fully expects to be asked to “explain his comments” at Soho Square.

He said: “If he [Dowd] wants to take my conduct to the authorities, then I will take his language to my players to the authorities as well.

“I am sure I will have to explain my comments to the Football Association - but if I do, I will just show them a video of the game. It was a catalogue of mistakes.”

A decision relevant to Jewell’s conduct is expected within the next few days, while the governing body are liaising with Hampshire Police over the post-match incident at Fratton Park.