Soccer: Ref charged with verbally abusing manager

LONDON - The FA took the unusual step of charging referee Danny McDermid with using abusive and/or insulting words towards Leeds United manager Dennis Wise after a fiery English League One match last month.

McDermid sent Wise to the stands at halftime of the match on September 29 as Leeds drew 1-1 at Gillingham and had two players sent off.

The FA said Wise had been fined A3;5000 pounds ($13,575) and given a three-match touchline ban for using abusive and/or insulting words towards McDermid at halftime in the third division match.

Wise, who spent most of his long playing career snarling at officials, complained after the game that the referee had sworn at him and said he would be reporting the incident. McDermid has until November 13 to respond to the charge.

- REUTERS