London // Louis van Gaal has been charged by the Football Association with bringing the game into disrepute following comments he made regarding referee Chris Foy last month, the governing body said Wednesday.
Foy was the man in the middle when van Gaal's Manchester United team were held to a shock goalless draw in the fourth round of the FA Cup by fourth-tier minnows Cambridge United on January 23.
After the initial match at the Abbey Stadium, Manchester United van Gaal -- whose side won 3-0 in the replay at Old Trafford on Tuesday -- expressed his unhappiness with how the game had gone.
“Every aspect of the match is against us,” said the Dutchman. “We have to come here, the pitch is not so good, but that can influence also that you play in another playing style.
“The opponents are always giving a lot more than normally and defending is always easier (than) attacking, and then you have seen the referee.
“It’s always the same. Everywhere I have coached these games and I have coached them also with other clubs. It’s always the same.”
Asked to elaborate on his remarks about Foy, he replied: “You can give your own opinion. I cannot give.”
The FA statement issued Wednesday said: “It is alleged that the Manchester United manager’s comments allege and/or imply bias on the part of the match referee and/or bring the game into disrepute.”
Van Gaal has until 1800 GMT on Monday to respond to the charge.
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