Rafael accepts charge
Manchester United full-back Rafael has accepted a Football Association charge of improper conduct for his actions after he was sent off in his club's 0-0 draw with Tottenham on Sunday, the FA have confirmed on their website.
The 20-year-old was sent off for two bookable offences by referee Mike Dean. But the official also took a dim view of the youngster's conduct and feels the remonstrations which followed his decision are worthy of further action.
Rafael, in accepting the charge, has admitted he was in the wrong. 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 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 Barclays Premier League encounter with Birmingham at Old Trafford.
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.
