Lee Johnson will fight the threat of a touchline ban after the FA confirmed the Sunderland boss has been charged with misconduct following his red card against Lincoln City last week.
The Black Cats boss was sent to the stands in injury-time during the 3-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light after he became embroiled in a touchline clash with Lincoln midfielder Conor McGrandles, following an incident sparked by Callum Doyle's poor challenge on Lewis Fiorini.
The FA has charged Johnson with two breaches of Rule E3.1, alleging that his conduct was improper and/or violent, and his conduct was also improper following his red card.
READ MORE: Bailey Wright makes Sunderland form claim which few will disagree with
Johnson would face a touchline ban and a fine if he accepts the charges, but last week he said he intended to contest them and would request a personal hearing.
The potential downside of is that his ban and fine could be increased if the FA dismisses his appeal.
"The procedure for managers is that you get charged, and then when that charge comes I will be asking for a personal hearing," Johnson said last week.
"It's very difficult when an 18-year-old [Doyle] is on the floor being attacked, and someone [McGrandles] is steaming down your throat at 100mph from 15 yards away, not to put your arm up in self-defence.
"That incident will be looked at and I will do everything I can to argue my case and, in my opinion, I should be let off."
The FA have also confirmed that both Sunderland and Lincoln have been charged with a breach of Rule E20.1, following the mass confrontation between players of both sides following the same incident.
The charge states that both clubs failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour.
If those charges are accepted, the clubs are likely to face fines.
Both Johnson, and the clubs, have until Wednesday to submit formal responses to the charges.
For the latest Sunderland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
