Sunderland boss Gus Poyet charged with improper conduct

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has been charged with improper conduct over his touchline confrontation with Hull counterpart Steve Bruce, the Football Association has announced. Bruce has also been reminded of his responsibilities.

It is understood Poyet’s charge relates to kicking the water bottles rather than the confrontation with Bruce, which both men played down after the game.

The Black Cats were trailing 1-0 at the KC Stadium when Poyet reacted furiously to Dean's decision to caution Rodwell, and assistant referee Stuart Burt had to intervene as the two bosses became embroiled in a heated exchange before the South American made his way to the stands.

His mood improved significantly, however, when Rodwell headed home a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw and a precious point to give Sunderland a little more breathing space about the battle for Barclays Premier League survival.