EPL: Mourinho escapes punishment

The Football Association has confirmed it will not further appeal the Independent Regulatory Commission’s decision, to dismiss the swearing charge against Jose Mourinho following Manchester United’s win over Newcastle.

Mourinho was hit with an FA charge, for alleged abusive language after comments he was alleged to have made towards a camera, after his side’s 3-2 victory at Old Trafford in October.

However, the charge was dropped following a ruling by the Independent Regulatory Commission.

An appeal was heard at Wembley last month, but now it has been confirmed that the FA has accepted the original outcome and the United boss will face no further action.

“The FA welcomes the original decision of the Appeal Board to uphold its appeal against Mr Mourinho for using abusive, insulting and improper language after the Manchester United v Newcastle United match on 6 October 2018.

“It also respects the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission to dismiss the charge based on the legal argument submitted by Mr Mourinho.

“The FA’s position, which it maintained throughout the hearing, was that Mr Mourinho directed his abusive, insulting and improper words directly towards the camera lens, and in these circumstances, the decision to charge was consistent with previous FA charging practice.

“Whilst we accept that the Independent Regulatory Commission disagreed on this occasion, The FA wishes to make clear that it will continue to take action against Participants for any form of abusive, insulting, or improper language or behaviour, which is directed towards a camera.

“Finally, following the Appeal Board decision, and the most recent decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission, The FA now considers this matter to be closed,” an FA statement said.