FA charges Lampard with improper conduct

 The English Football Association has charged Everton manager Frank Lampard with improper conduct over his comments after his team lost 2-0 away to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby last month.

Lampard criticized referee Stuart Atwell for not awarding him a penalty kick for his team after fouling Everton player Anthony Gordon, as the coach indicated that the referee would have awarded the kick if the foul was against a Liverpool player.

"It is alleged that the coach's statements constitute inappropriate conduct as they imply bias and/or attack the integrity of the match referee or referees in general and/or damage the reputation of the match in violation of Rule E3.1 of the FA Rules," the FA said.

Lampard, whose team is in the relegation zone, has until next Monday to respond to the FA's accusation.