/ 26 October 2004

Manchester City manager charged with abuse

Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan was charged by the Football Association (FA) on Tuesday with verbally abusing the referee following his side’s 4-3 defeat to Newcastle.

Keegan was charged with violating the FA rule on ”abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour” to referee Steve Dunn at the end of Sunday’s Premier League game at St James’ Park.

Keegan has until November 8 to plead innocent or guilty to the charge. He could face a touchline ban.

Keegan said he told Dunn he ”was not strong enough and made too many mistakes”.

Among other things, Keegan disputed the free-kick and penalty that had given the Magpies a 2-0 lead. — Sapa-AP