Grant charged after ref row

11 February 2010 17:38
The Football Association have charged Portsmouth manager Avram Grant with improper conduct for confronting referee Kevin Friend at half-time during the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Tuesday. Grant squared up to Friend after the half-time whistle after seeing two penalty claims turned down and having Ricardo Rocha dismissed for conceding the penalty which led to Darren Bent's 12th-minute opener at Fratton Park. Grant also ranted after the game about decisions going against his side, but an FA statement confirmed: "The charge relates to Grant's behaviour towards referee Kevin Friend at the conclusion of the first half of Portsmouth's match against Sunderland at Fratton Park on February 9." The Pompey boss has until next Thursday to respond to the charge, which will be heard by March 5.

Source: PA