Mourinho to learn touchline ban fate

MANCHESTER United manager Jose Mourinho was today expected to discover whether he faced a touchline ban for his sending off against Burnley.

The Portuguese became well-versed with Football Association disciplinary procedures during his two spells at the Chelsea helm and has been in hot water once again.

Mourinho had until the close of play yesterday to respond to a misconduct charge dished out by the FA following comments about referee Anthony Taylor in the lead up to the 0-0 draw at Liverpool.

It is understood the disciplinary commission is to rule on the matter before the week is out, but it is the punishment for Saturday's behaviour in the goalless draw with Burnley that may land the hardest blow.

A fine appears the most likely outcome for the Taylor incident, but Mourinho could be hit by a touchline ban after being sent off by referee Mark Clattenburg at Old Trafford. The United manager is understood to have been sent to the stands as the teams made their way out for the second half. Mourinho was incandescent late in the first half after Matteo Darmian had penalty appeals ignored.

Mourinho faces a fine should the FA deem the offence worthy of a general misconduct charge, like that handed to Stoke boss Mark Hughes after being sent to the stands against Tottenham in September.

However, insulting language and/or abusive language sits in a higher band, with the standard penalty a fine and one-match touchline ban if accepted by the manager.

It is understood the ban could rise to two matches if an appeal fails.