Holloway is charged by FA over tunnel rant at referee Dean

A previous incident on Holloway's disciplinary record will be taken into account in any punishment (DAVID ASHDOWN)

The 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 that 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.

The Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny admits his life has changed beyond recognition since he moved to the Premier League. The 25-year-old joined from Lorient in July. Since arriving in north London Koscielny has made seven competitive appearances although he was sent off on his league debut at Liverpool.

Koscielny said: "My career has totally changed in three months. It is going pretty well even if my game is still not 100 per cent. It is a big challenge for me but I am getting better physically. I do a lot of weight training to strengthen me. It is much more physical in the tackle, the attackers are rougher and the games are more intense."

He also hopes to force his way into the France side, adding: "Yes, I think I can join this group. Euro 2012 is a goal for me."