Newcastle manager Graeme Souness has denied a Football Association charge of bringing the game into disrepute for criticising referee Barry Knight.
The FA made the charge after Souness' comments in the wake of his side's 2-0 loss by Everton on 7 May.

The Magpies boss was heavily critical of the performance of Knight - in a game in which Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi was sent off.

Souness, who had until 6 June to reply, has not requested a personal hearing.

Disciplinary chiefs are set to consider the case, based on documentary evidence, over the next few weeks.

"Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness has denied a charge of failing to act in the best interests of the game and/or bringing the game into disrepute (breach of FA Rule E3)," said an FA statement. "He has not requested a personal hearing.

"The charge related to post-match media comments following Newcastle United's Premier League match against Everton."

Bowyer and Dyer in punch-up
Knight was also the referee when the Tyneside club's midfielders Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer had their infamous on-pitch brawl against Aston Villa on 2 April.

He dismissed the duo but Souness was critical of a penalty award that Knight had given in that game, which he believes helped lead to Dyer and Bowyer scuffling.

Souness stated after the Everton game that Knight had apologised to right-back Stephen Carr for giving the spot-kick against Villa.

The Newcastle manager was also critical of the free-kick Knight gave to Everton, which led to the Merseysiders' first goal.

Earlier in the season, Souness was fined £10,000 and banned from the touchline for a game for hitting out at referee Howard Webb's performance following his side's 4-1 home defeat by Fulham on 7 November.

On that occasion, he was granted a personal hearing, but later admitted the charge and withdrew his request for the opportunity to explain his actions