O'Neill hit with FA charge

08 April 2009 16:35
The Football Association has charged Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill with improper conduct. The charge relates to O'Neill's behaviour towards referee Mike Riley after the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday. Aston Villa led 2-1 at one stage before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised for United in the 80th minute. United pressed forward in the closing stages and Federico Macheda scored a stunning last-gasp winner deep into stoppage time. O'Neill was unhappy with Riley after the match, marching onto the pitch to confront the official. It is this behaviour that has landed the Northern Irishman in trouble, rather than his critical comments later the same afternoon. O'Neill claimed that Riley had failed to spot a foul on Ashley Young in the build-up to Macheda's crucial goal. He also stated that the officials had got three offside decisions wrong when Villa had chances to score. O'Neill has until Monday, 27th April to respond to the charge.

Source: SKY_Sports