Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful he will escape a ban despite being charged by the FA after becoming the first Premier League manager to receive a red card.
The English game’s governing body have revealed the Everton manager has been hit with a disciplinary case of improper conduct, after referee Chris Kavanagh brandished the red card at the end of a dramatic game with Manchester United .
Managers previously were dismissed under Premier League rules, but no cards were shown.
On Sunday though, the Italian was the first to see red when he insisted he wanted an explanation from the official when Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late ‘winner’ was ruled out for offside.
Ancelotti marched over to the referee at the end of the game, and was told to leave the field of play by Kavanagh. He refused, and insisted he would remain until he got an explanation.
The Blues boss insisted afterwards he did not swear or disrespect the official, and visited the ref’s rooms afterwards, for what he explained was a polite and friendly conversation.
During the exchange, the two suggested there was a “misunderstanding” and despite the charge, that has left Ancelotti hopeful he will escape a ban - which would see him miss out on being pitch side on a return to his former club Chelsea at the weekend.
Instead, Ancelotti is still confident he will be hit with a lesser punishment of a fine and warning, with Kavanagh thought to be more sympathetic in his report.
The FA have the option of up to a three-game ban for the offence, but it is more likely to be reduced to one game, or even just a fine or a warning.
Ancelotti is the first Premier League manager to be a shown a red card since the rule was introduced last year.
