Holloway charged for confronting referee

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after confronting referee Mike Dean in the tunnel following the 2-1 loss to Blackburn on Saturday.

The Seasiders' boss was furious Brett Emerton's injury-time winner was allowed to stand despite a suspicion of offside and what he felt was a foul on Gary Taylor-Fletcher in the build-up.

Under the FA's new fast-track procedures, Holloway has until Friday to respond to the charge.

The charge will come as no surprise to Holloway, who said on Saturday: "I thought the referee had a poor game and he is going to report me for what I said to him in the tunnel.

"I can't believe what he saw. I thought there was some unbelievably strange decisions out there.

"I waited for him in the tunnel. Never mind, I have got to learn and I should know better - but it is ridiculous."

A regulatory commission will hear the case within 10 days of Holloway's response, and a previous incident on his disciplinary record will be taken into account in any punishment.

The 47-year-old served a two-match touchline ban for improper conduct towards a match official at Blackpool's meeting with Ipswich in January.