FA charges referee for confronting Ipswich player

London, Feb 17, 2021 (AFP) - English referee Darren Drysdale has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association for confronting Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge on the field.

Drysdale leaned his head into the Republic of Ireland international after Judge's appeal for a penalty had been turned down during Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Northampton.

Judge was booked in the aftermath of the incident for simulation in trying to win a penalty.

The 49-year-old official has apologised for his conduct.

"I fully understand that it is important for us as referees to maintain our composure throughout the game and always engage with players in a professional manner," Drysdale said in a statement released by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited.

"I'm sorry that I did not do that last night and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town."

An FA statement read: "It is alleged that the match official's behaviour during the 90th minute of the game amounts to improper conduct and he has until Thursday 4 March 2021 to provide a response."

kca/jc