Jose Mourinho faces FA charge after saying referee is under extra 'pressure'

The Football Association are set to probe Jose Mourinho’s comments about referee Anthony Taylor – and could hit him with a misconduct charge. 

Taylor’s appointment for Monday night’s match between Liverpool and Manchester United has enraged Reds fans because the official lives just six miles from Old Trafford. 

Mourinho responded by saying: 

“I think Mr Taylor is a very good referee but I think somebody is putting so much pressure on him that it will be difficult for him to have a very good performance.” 

The FA and Premier League have made it clear that managers cannot talk about referees before fixtures as it could prejudice the outcome. 

FA officials will now examine the United manager’s words before deciding whether to take action – which could result in a touchline ban and a heavy fine. 

Mourinho has a chequered history with the FA and still has a suspended one-match ban outstanding. 

He was fined £50,000 last October for comments made after Chelsea’s defeat at Southampton.