Everton boss mulls response to improper conduct charge

Everton manager David Moyes said he'd yet to decide his response to a Football Association (FA) improper conduct charge on Wednesday after being sent to the stands during his side's 3-2 Premier League win away to Stoke.

Moyes was incensed when referee Alan Wiley, who had pointed to the penalty spot, changed his mind after consulting his linesman and gave a free-kick on the edge of the box, when it appeared Stoke's Leon Cort had handled inside the penalty area.

Soon afterwards a furious Moyes, having berated the fourth official, was sent to the stands.

Moyes, speaking at a news conference ahead of Everton's UEFA Cup tie with Standard Liege did say he had a “great deal more respect” for Wiley after a television conversation with the official

“Contesting it? I am not sure yet, I have not made a decision on that,” the Scot said hours after being charged.

“The FA have to do their job, I have to do my job, I had my opinion at the time. The referee has since contacted me — that conversation will remain private — and that is it.

“We have a 'Respect' campaign that is really important but you can't just put a big label on it.

“You earn respect and I have to say the referee has earned a great deal more respect from me by what he has said from me.”

Everton lost on penalties to Fiorentina in the last 16 of the UEFA last season but not before beating eventual winners Zenit St Petersburg.

Moyes, looking to the Liege match, said: “We did very well in the UEFA Cup last season. We played 10, won eight, lost one and drew one and we beat the eventual winners here so Everton are a good side.”

The Toffees manager has until October 2 to respond to the charge.