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Keane denies misconduct charge

20/11/2008

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has denied a Football Association charge of improper conduct and requested a personal hearing.

The Black Cats boss was cited by the FA after he allegedly criticised referee Martin Atkinson's performance in the tunnel at half-time of his side's 5-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.

One of the incidents that particularly irked the former Manchester United midfielder was the official's decision not to penalise a controversial challenge by Blues playmaker Joe Cole on Pascal Chimbonda in the build-up to the home side's third goal.

Keane was sent to the stands for the second half of the game, but in a brief statement today Sunderland have revealed that their manager has decided to challenge the citation.

"Roy Keane has requested a personal hearing from the Football Association after being charged with improper conduct," the statement said.

"The charge is in relation to his conduct towards referee Martin Atkinson in the tunnel at half-time of Sunderland's match against Chelsea on November 1st.

"Keane has responded to the FA, denying the charge and has requested a personal hearing."

The FA have said a date for the hearing will be set "in due course".

If the Keane is handed a touchline ban it would be the first of the fiery former Republic of Ireland international's managerial career.

Following a playing career in which he frequently courted controversy for a variety of reasons, Keane is regarded as one of the calmest individuals - at least in public - when it comes to his behaviour on the touchline.