Jose Mourinho contesting FA charge over 'referee campaign' against Chelsea claim

Chelsea football team manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly contesting a charge by Football Association (FA) over his claims that there is a campaign to influence referees' decisions against his squad.

Mourinho made his comments after his side were denied a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Southampton on 28 December, when referee Anthony Taylor booked Cesc Fabregas for diving after going down in the box under Matt Targett's challenge.

Mourinho was handed a misconduct charge and didn't fulfill media duties at last weekend's game with Newcastle United, the BBC reported.

However, the Portuguese would be holding a news conference at the club's training ground on Friday before the Swansea City game on Saturday.

An FA statement read that it is alleged that Mourinho's remarks constitute improper conduct in that they allege and/or imply bias on the part of a referee or referees and/or bring the game into disrepute.

Mourinho was issued with a formal warning for his comments ahead of Chelsea's 2-0 win at Stoke on 22 December, the report added.