The FA has announced that Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has been charged by the organisation as his “language and/or behaviour during the 64th minute was improper” in the Whites’ visit to Brentford. The manager has until September 9th to respond to the charges.
Leeds United Manager Charged by FA
Jesse Marsch charged with 'improper conduct' by the FA in relation to comments made to match officials during #LUFC's defeat at Brentford last weekend.
Marsch has until Friday, September 9 to respond to the charge. pic.twitter.com/kpX6PFSLUR
— Joe Donnohue (@JoeDonnohue) September 6, 2022
Why Was the Leeds United Manager Charged?
The incident that caused Jesse Marsch to be charged by the FA happened early in the second half of the Brentford match. As Crysencio Summerville broke into the box down the left wing, Aaron Hickey first pulled the Dutchman’s shirt before appearing to shove the Leeds United player to the ground. This wasn’t given as a foul, with a similar foul given for the Bees moments later.
The Leeds United manager was livid, gesturing and indicating that the referee should look at the VAR screen. The referee, Robert Jones, decided against taking another look at the incident, instead electing to dismiss the American manager with a straight red card.
What Does the FA Charge Mean?
The punishment for the Leeds United manager depends on the decision that the FA panel takes. In the case of Thomas Tuchel’s pitchside brawl with Antonio Conte after the Chelsea draw with Tottenham Hotspur in August, the penalties for each manager varied. The Blues’ manager received a one-match ban and £35,000 fine, with his Italian counterpart receiving just a £15,000 fine.
As Jesse Marsch’s conduct was far less violent and simply involved a disagreement with the referee, the nature of the American’s punishment could be less than that of his fellow managers.
How Was the Refereeing This Weekend?
The past weekend saw controversy after controversy. West Ham United were denied a late equaliser due to a relatively weak foul on Edouard Mendy, Newcastle United had a goal disallowed as a result of their player being shoved into a goalkeeper and an early offside call against Aston Villa destroyed their chances against Manchester City.
This has been a significant week for officiating and VAR, but by standing against what he sees as poor decision making Marsch has put himself at risk.
