Terry hit with improper conduct charge over red card moan

John Terry, pictured 14 November 2006, faces an extra one-match ban after being charged with improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) over his comments about a red card he received during his side's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham earlier this month.

John Terry faces an extra one-match ban after being charged with improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) over his comments about a red card he received during his side's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham earlier this month.

Terry was ordered off for the first time in his club career after receiving two yellow cards from Graham Poll.

The Chelsea and England captain claimed afterwards that the referee had given him different explanations of the second yellow at the time of the incident and after the match.

The referee's denial of that claim triggered the misconduct charge which could lead to a one-match ban, a fine or a warning as to his future behaviour for Terry.

The defender, who has already served his automatic one-match ban for the red card, has until December 15 to answer the charge.

Explaining the charge, the FA said: "The charge has been brought on the basis that John Terry's comments question Graham Poll's integrity and therefore constitute improper conduct."

The FA also cleared Poll of saying anything inappropriate towards Chelsea players during the same match. Comments by Chelsea players after the match, notably Ashley Cole, resulted in media reports that the referee had told them they needed "to be taught a lesson."

But the FA said Thursday: "Responses sought from Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Chelsea FC and the match officials confirm that Poll did not say that Chelsea needed 'to be taught a lesson'. There will no action against any parties on this matter."

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was given a rap on the knuckles and reminded of his responsibilities for his post-match remarks about Poll's performance in the same game.

He will not face any formal disciplinary action.