Wednesday 31 October 2018 19:09, UK
Jose Mourinho's charge for alleged abusive language in Manchester United's win over Newcastle has been dropped, the FA has confirmed.
The United boss requested a non-personal hearing on October 24 after being granted an extension to respond to comments he is alleged to have made towards a camera in Portuguese after the 3-2 victory at Old Trafford.
Sky Sources understand that the FA are surprised by the decision - which was made by an Independent Regulatory Commission - and will await the written reasons before considering an appeal.
United say they presented a very strong defence against the charge and the club is glad the ruling has validated that.
An FA statement read: "A charge against Jose Mourinho for allegedly using language which was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper has been found not proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today [31/10/18].
"It related to an incident at the end of the Manchester United versus Newcastle United game on 6 October 2018.
"Written reasons for the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission will be published in due course. This decision is subject to appeal."
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Mourinho's decision to appeal the initial charge, which could have seen him face a touchline ban, meant he was present for United's 2-2 draw with Chelsea, the Champions League defeat to Juventus and Sunday's 2-1 win over Everton.
The victory over Newcastle was played amid a tense atmosphere with the club having denied a report earlier in the day that Mourinho was going to be sacked that weekend, regardless of the result.
However, the club denied those rumours and Mourinho's side recovered from 2-0 down to complete a dramatic comeback victory with a 90th-minute goal from Alexis Sanchez.
Footage from the game shows Mourinho saying something in Portuguese - at one point while looking into a camera - as he headed towards the tunnel following the final whistle.
In their original statement on October 16, the FA said: "It is alleged that his language at the end of the fixture, as captured by the broadcast footage, was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper."
Mourinho was involved in more controversy in United's next Premier League fixture, a 2-2 draw against his former club Chelsea, after Ross Barkley's 96th-minute equaliser sparked a melee on the touchline.
Chelsea assistant coach Marco Ianni celebrated the goal emphatically in front of Mourinho and his actions prompted a reaction from the United boss as well as fellow staff members, with security having to intervene.
Mourinho avoided a charge from the FA for that game, but was "formally reminded of his responsibilities" as Ianni faced disciplinary action.
