Referee Darren Drysdale has been charged with improper conduct by the FA after appearing to square up to Ipswich Town midfielder Alan Judge.
Judge complained to the referee after he felt he should have been awarded a free-kick that wasn’t given, and as the midfielder went over to Drysdale, the 49-year-old appeared to put his head towards Judge, though did not make contact.
The player was booked for dissent, and teammate Flynn Downes was sent off shortly after for violent conduct as the Tractor Boys drew 0-0 at home against Northampton Town.
Darren Drysdale Charged With Improper Conduct
Referee Darren Drysdale appeared to square up to Alan Judge before booking the Ipswich player in their goalless draw against Northampton this evening. pic.twitter.com/ZexMTxYIx7
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 16, 2021
FA Statement and Drysdale’s Apology
In a statement, the FA said: “Darren Drysdale has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following last night’s EFL League One game between Ipswich Town FC and Northampton Town FC.
“It is alleged that the match official’s behaviour during the 90th minute of the game amounts to improper conduct and he has until Thursday 4 March 2021 to provide a response.”
Meanwhile, Drysdale has also issued an apology to Judge and to Ipswich, saying: “I fully understand that it is important for us as referees to maintain our composure throughout the game and always engage with players in a professional manner.
“I’m sorry that I did not do that last night and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town.”
Drysdale is still scheduled to referee this weekend when he takes charge of the League Two match between Southend United and Bolton Wanderers.
He has until March 4 to respond to the improper conduct charge, where it will then be decided if he faces any further punishment.
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