Rafael accepts FA charge

Manchester United full-back Rafael has requested a personal hearing after accepting a Football Association charge of improper conduct.

Rafael was charged by the FA in relation to his actions after he was sent off during the second half of United's 0-0 draw at Tottenham Hotspuron Sunday.

The Brazilian was unhappy with referee Mike Dean's decision to show him a second yellow card following a tangle with Spurs full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

The 20-year-old remonstrated with Dean after being dismissed but has accepted the charge issued by the FA.

However, he has requested a personal hearing, which will be on Friday, when he will get the chance to present his side of the story.

A statement on the FA website read: "Rafael Da Silva has today accepted an FA charge of improper conduct.

"The charge relates to his conduct towards match official Mike Dean during United's fixture with Tottenham Hotspur on January 16.

"Rafael has requested a personal hearing, which will take place before an Independent Regulatory Commission on Friday January 21."

United will definitely be without Rafael for Saturday's Premier League encounter with Birmingham at Old Trafford and, should the disciplinary panel feel the defender's conduct to be worthy of further punishment, he could also sit out next Tuesday's trip to Blackpool.

A more likely scenario would be a fine, although it is not beyond the realms of possibility Rafael may receive an even more lenient penalty and walk away with only a warning about his future conduct.