Mourinho to appeal £50,000 fine, suspended stadium ban

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho confirmed Friday he'll appeal the Football Association's decision to fine and hand him a suspended one-match ban.

The FA levied the sanctions after Mourinho admitted that his comments about referees following a Oct. 3 loss against Southampton constituted improper conduct.

"I have to be honest with myself - that is the most important thing - so I have to appeal," he told reporters ahead of Saturday's match against Aston Villa.

Apart from calling the £50,000 fine "a disgrace," Mourinho also said at his book launch Thursday the possibility of a stadium ban was "astonishing."

Related: Chelsea manager Mourinho brands £50,000 FA fine 'a disgrace'

The 52-year-old Portuguese would serve the one-match suspension if he violates FA rules any time within the next 12 months.

Chelsea currently sits in 16th place in the Premier League, and much of Mourinho's criticism has broached the state of officiating in England - especially against his side.

Following the home defeat to Southampton, Mourinho went on a seven-minute rant during which he accused referees of being "afraid" to award decisions to Chelsea.