Town boss Roy Keane could face action from the FA for comments made about referee Keith Hill prior to Tuesday’s home game with Crystal Palace, according to a national newspaper report this morning.
At Monday's pre-match press conference the Blues boss was asked whether he would be going to see the referee before the game to remind him not to even things up for Palace after their goal Bristol City the previous Saturday which the officials failed to spot had crossed the line.
A joking Keane said: "We might have to remind the officials before the game that it’s a new game.
”We always have a word with the officials beforehand. We go in with the teamsheets an hour or so before the game.”
However, the Blues boss looks likely to avoid any serious censure having also made it clear that he expected the referee and his assistants to be well above board: "Not that I’ll need to remind thme as they’ll be professional and they’re officials who are nothing to do with the weekend. It shouldn’t be an issue.”
Earlier in the summer, the FA warned managers not to comment on referees before games or risk a charge of improper conduct in a statement: "Any media comments by managers, players or any other club officials relating to appointed match officials prior to a fixture will no longer be allowed.”
Meanwhile, defender Alex Bruce says Town’s poor start has not yet seen Keane hurling crockery in the dressing room: "The manager has been calm. He has had no reasons to throw tea cups yet. It is only three games into the season. We are just three points off seventh place so that puts into perspective where we are at this stage of the season.
"If it was Christmas time and we were in the bottom three then you probably would see tea cups fly, but then that's right.”
Bruce has also admitted he is happier at the club since the change of manager: "It was never on my mind that I would be going anywhere. There were times last year when I didn't feel wanted but with the new manager a new regime that has all changed. I'm delighted to still be here and I'm still hopeful and enthusiastic about the season ahead.”