Jewell denies FA charge

Wigan manager Paul Jewell today denied a Football Association charge of improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute.

The charge relates to comments Jewell made about referee Phil Dowd following Arsenal’s 2-1 Barclays Premiership win over the Latics on February 11.

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

The Wigan boss blamed Dowd for costing his side victory – and potentially £50m (€74m) if they are relegated – in the Emirates Stadium clash.

The Premiership strugglers were leading 1-0 when Emile Heskey appeared to be brought down on the edge of the penalty area by Mathieu Flamini late in the second half.

Dowd ruled no foul had been committed and Arsenal equalised moments later from a Fitz Hall own goal before Tomas Rosicky snatched victory with five minutes to go.

Jewell said after the game: “I thought we should have had a penalty which would hopefully have made it 2-0.

“It was a penalty. He [Flamini] put his hand on his [Heskey’s] shoulder. Why would Emile want to go down? Some of the officials don’t understand the game.

“He [Dowd] has cost our team the points. It could cost us £50m (€74m).”