Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has been charged with improper conduct over comments made about referee Andre Marriner.
Bruce spoke out after defender Michael Turner was sent off in his side's 4-3 Barclays Premier League defeat at Manchester City on December 19. Turner was shown the red card after catching Garth Barry with his elbow, a decision Bruce described as a "joke".
Bruce has been given until January 20 to respond to the charge.
Bruce claimed his previous criticisms of Marriner had counted against him.
"Because I have complained about him, I get that decision," said Bruce at the time.
"I hope he can have a look at it and he can see it was a shuddering challenge between two of the most honest professionals you are going to get."
Sunderland appealed against Turner's three-match ban but their case was dismissed and the suspension increased to four games.
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