Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been charged by the Football Association with misconduct for his comments on the match officials during his side's draw at Southampton on 28 December.
The 51-year-old Portuguese lost his cool after the referee booked Cesc Fàbregas for an alleged dive in the penalty area even though the Spaniard appeared to be fouled.
Later Mourinho, who described booking as "a scandal", made claims of there being a "clear campaign" by "people, pundits, commentators and coaches from other teams" against Chelsea to brand them as a team of divers.
And now the FA, who have investigated the former Real Madrid's boss' comments, have charged Mourinho with "misconduct."
"Jose Mourinho has been charged by The FA for misconduct in relation to media comments he made following Chelsea's game against Southampton on 28 December 2014," read a statement in the Football Association's official website.
"It is alleged his remarks constitute improper conduct in that they allege and/or imply bias on the part of a referee or referees and/or bring the game into disrepute."
Mourinho, who will not be attending the press conference ahead of Chelsea Premier League fixture against Newcastle on Sunday, has until 6 pm on Tuesday to respond to the charge.
Meanwhile, the FA also confirmed that they have issued Mourinho with a "formal warning" for his comments -- which included the former Porto boss calling for a strong performance from referee Neil Swarbrick -- ahead of the Blues' clash Premier League at Stoke City on 19 December.
"The FA has also reviewed pre-match comments made by Mr Mourinho on December 19 2014 prior to Chelsea's game against Stoke City and, having sought his observations on this matter, decided not to bring a disciplinary charge and instead issued him with a formal warning."
"The FA prohibit participants from making any pre-match media comments, including comments of a positive nature concerning the appointed match officials for a particular fixture. Whether the official is identifiable by name or by implication, these are deemed to amount to improper conduct in breach of FA Rule E3."
