Southampton charged with failing to control players following penalty decision

Norwich were awarded a spot kick in the dying seconds of their 0-0 draw in the Premier League

Robert Snodgrass of Norwich City battles with Luke Shaw of Southampton (Getty Images)

The Football Association has confirmed that Southampton have been charged with failing to control their players following the award of a penalty to Norwich during Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at Carrow Road.

After consulting with his assistant, referee Mark Clattenburg ruled that Luke Shaw pushed Grant Holt just inside the penalty area.

Holt missed the subsequent spot-kick with Artur Boruc keeping out his effort, but Southampton players continued to protest after the final whistle, and were joined on the pitch by manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The club has until 4pm on Friday to respond to the charge.

Earlier today the FA confirmed that no action will be taken against Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand for his clash with Chelsea striker Fernando Torres in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Ferdinand appeared to barge the Spain international to the ground before helping him to his feet in an off-the-ball collision which went unseen by referee Howard Webb.

However, a spokesman for the FA told Press Association Sport that Ferdinand would not face retrospective action.

The confirmation means Ferdinand will be free to play in the quarter-final replay after the teams drew 2-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Goals from Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney inside the first 11 minutes put United apparently on the brink of a semi-final berth.

But the Blues hit back in the second half and Eden Hazard halved the deficit just before the hour, with Ramires levelling in the 68th minute.

The winners will face Manchester City in the last four at Wembley, but a suitable date to hold the replay has yet to be settled on.

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha and manager Ian Holloway have been charged following Saturday's clash with Leeds.

Zaha has been charged with improper conduct after appearing to make an offensive gesture towards the Leeds fans.

The 20-year-old, who in January agreed a move to Leeds' historic rivals Manchester United, later apologised for his actions on Twitter.

He wrote: "I...wanted to apologise for the gesture I did towards the Leeds fans in yesterday's game. Very unprofessional from me."

Holloway, who was angry at some of the refereeing decisions during the 2-2 draw, has been charged for alleged misconduct towards the match officials.

Both Zaha and Holloway have until 4pm on Friday to respond to the charges.

PA