Crystal Palace manager Trevor Francis has been charged by the Football Association following an incident involving substitute goalkeeper Alex Kolinko in August.
The FA launched an investigation after Francis appeared to strike Kolinko during Palace's 1-1 draw with Bradford on August 13th.
A statement on the FA's website, www.thefa.com, revealed: "Following an incident during the match between Crystal Palace and Bradford City on Tuesday, August 13th, we can confirm that Trevor Francis has been charged under rule E2 (violent or threatening behaviour). "He has 14 days to respond."
Francis was dismissed from the dug-out after apparently taking offence when he heard the Latvian keeper laughing just after Palace had fallen behind to Andy Todd's 76th-minute goal.
The former Birmingham boss described his reaction at the time as "a bit of fun" but fourth official Neil Perkin took exception to it and referee Paul Armstrong promptly banished Francis into the stands.
Palace chairman Simon Jordan later described the incident as a "storm in a teacup" and confirmed Francis would receive no internal club discipline, while police investigated on grounds of 'common assault' but did not charge Francis.