Johnson hit with double charge

Stopper punished after calling referee Atkinson a "disgrace"

Last updated: 5th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Johnson hit with double charge

Johnson: FA charge

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Birmingham defender Roger Johnson has been charged with two counts of improper conduct by the FA after comments made in the aftermath of the loss to Aston Villa.

The Blues went down to a controversial defeat at Villa Park last month where Johnson labelled referee Martin Atkinson a "disgrace" after the official awarded the home side a controversial late penalty.

Johnson had been adjudged to have tripped Villa front man Gabriel Agbonlahor in the box, allowing James Milner to fire home the winner eight minutes from time.

The decision sparked furious protests from Alex McLeish's side that landed the club with a charge for failing to control their players.

But now the 27-year-old has been reprimanded for his outburst to the media after the game and has until May 20th to respond to the charge.

Johnson said after the match: "The referee was a disgrace. He's ruined the match and clearly shouldn't be doing these kind of games - it was too big for him.

"I got the ball cleanly, everyone could see that, and the ref can't make a decision if he's not sure. The rules say if you're not sure, you don't give a penalty."

The FA asked Johnson to explain his remarks, and the Blues have posted a statement on their website confirming the player has been charged.

It read: "The FA have today charged Blues defender Roger Johnson relating to media comments made after our fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park on 25 April 2010.

"Johnson has been charged on two counts, relating to his comments about the match referee and for his comments about The FA Respect programme.

"Johnson has until 20 May 2010 to respond to the charge."

Fellow defender Stephen Carr was also charged with improper conduct for allegedly making an offensive gesture to Villa fans at the end of the match.