Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following his dismissal against Swansea on Wednesday.
The Italian was sent to the stands by referee Neil Swarbrick in the first half of Chelsea’s 1-0 win after angrily protesting to fourth official Lee Mason when Swansea were awarded a goal-kick.
He later apologised to Swarbrick and Mason. He has until 6pm on Tuesday to respond to the charge.
Conte, if found guilty, will receive an £8,000 fine and be warned about his future conduct, but will escape a touchline ban.
He also apologised for his behaviour in the post match press conference. ‘I think it’s normal, it’s right to apologise for what happened during the game,’ he said.
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‘For sure I made a mistake. Sometimes there is a lot of frustration like in this case but sometime you can make a mistake and I did this.’
The Italian was seen shouting in Mason’s face as he took his frustrations out on the fourth official after a goal-kick was awarded to the visitors despite the ball appearing to touch Swansea’s Alfie Mawson last before going behind.
Conte initially positioned himself just two places above the dugout before being instructed to go further up into the stands away from the Chelsea bench.
Given his admission, Conte is likely to accept his punishment. It was the first time he had been dismissed in English football.
DailyMail
