Breaking: Manchester City charged by FA following referee incident against Tottenham

The Football Association have confirmed that they have charged Manchester City with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 during the 3-3 draw against Tottenham on Sunday.

Members of Pep Guardiola first-team squad at the Etihad Stadium confronted referee Simon Hooper late on in the game following a decision to prevent an advantage in the favour of the Premier League champions following an initial Erling Haaland foul.

The Norwegian forward was awarded the advantage having got up from a tackle, before playing Jack Grealish in-behind the Spurs defence to run through on goal, before Hooper performed a u-turn and pulled the play back for a free-kick.

Manchester City stars were left seething with the decision, and remonstrated with the PGMOL match official while Pep Guardiola demanded answers from the fourth official on the evening Anthony Taylor.

Now those showings of frustration have landed Manchester City in hot water with the Football Association, who have now confirmed that the Treble winners have been charged following a breach of FA rules.

A statement from the FA on Monday afternoon stated, “Manchester City have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 after their players surrounding the match official during the Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 3 December 2023.

“It’s alleged that, during the 94th minute of the fixture, the club failed to ensure their players do not behave in a way which is improper.

“Manchester City have until Thursday 7 December 2023 to respond to the charge.”

Erling Haaland was also tipped to find himself in trouble with the Football Association, having commented on the controversial incident on social media after the match.

The Manchester City striker at the centre of the controversy commented, ‘Wtf’ to a post showcasing a replay of the incident, but admitted on Monday that he has now smiled since the moment that sparked anger throughout the Etihad Stadium.

It has since been confirmed that Erling Haaland will face no punishment for the post.

Pep Guardiola defended the on-field reaction of his number nine after the game, as he explained, “His reaction was the same for 10 players with the referee. Of course he’s a little bit disappointed. Even the referee, if he played for Man City today, he would be disappointed.”