Keane charged after Chelsea ´sending-off´

Sunderland manager Roy Keane was charged Tuesday with improper conduct by the Football Association after he was sent to the stands at half-time during his team's 5-0 defeat away to Chelsea last weekend.

Former Manchester United midfielder Keane was told to leave the dugout by referee Martin Atkinson, having questioned decisions the official had made in the players' tunnel during the break at Stamford Bridge.

“Sunderland manager Roy Keane has been charged with improper conduct,” an FA statement said.

“The charge relates to his conduct towards referee Martin Atkinson in the tunnel at half-time of Sunderland's match against Chelsea on Saturday, 1 November.

“Keane has until 19 November to respond to the charge.”

If found guilty, Keane, who had a reputation as a fiery player for both United and the Republic of Ireland, could face a touchline ban.

Sunderland's loss to Premier League leaders Chelsea was their second in four days after a 1-0 defeat against Stoke.

Keane, speaking after the Chelsea match, said: “I didn't swear at him (Atkinson) or anything. All you want when you play one of the big boys is a bit of fairness, and I don't think we got that today (Saturday).”