Joe Royle's personal hearing into the FA's improper conduct charge made after the Leeds game in January was postponed on Thursday as the Town manager was at a board meeting. Royle was charged after he clashed with the fourth official following the controversial late penalty.

The Blues boss threw a water bottle down in frustration after David Healy had equalised from the spot, splashing the official. The FA charged him under Rule E3 and the Town manager requested a personal hearing on February 21st.

Royle said sorry at the time and is perplexed that the matter has been taken as far as it has: “To be honest I am slightly puzzled that this is still dragging on, because the fourth official has acknowledged that I apologised to him.

“As soon as it happened I said sorry to him and I am pleased that he has confirmed this in his own statement.”

A new date for the hearing is yet to be set.

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