Aston Villa boss Dean Smith charged with ‘abusive and insulting language’ towards referee Jonathan Moss after he was sent off from the touchline following Bernardo Silva’s opener in his side’s defeat at Manchester City
- Dean Smith was sent off to the stands in Aston Villa’s loss at Manchester City
- The Villa boss was aggrieved that City’s opening goal should not have stood
- City took the lead after Rodri tackled Tyrone Mings from an offside position
- Smith has been charged with ‘abusive and/or insulting language’ to a referee
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has been charged for abusive language to a match official after his red card against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Smith was given his marching orders from the touchline after Bernardo Silva had given Pep Guardiola‘s side the lead in the 79th minute, with the Villa boss claiming the goal should have been ruled out for offside.
City’s Rodri was in an offside position when a ball was played over the top of the Villa defence but Tyrone Mings fumbled in possession which played the midfielder onside.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith (left) has been charged with abusive language to a referee after his red card at Manchester City on Wednesday night
VAR checked the goal but Smith was still not happy with the call, with referee Jonathan Moss brandishing a red card following words on the touchline.
An FA spokesman said: ‘Dean Smith has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following Aston Villa FC’s Premier League match against Manchester City FC on Wednesday.
‘It is alleged that the manager used abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official during the 81st minute. Dean Smith has until Tuesday (January 26) to respond to the charge.’
More to follow.