Benitez was charged by the English Football Association

DBasia.news – LONDON: Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez was charged by the English Football Association for his comments on referee Andre Marriner before his side’s draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Benitez responded to questions about Palace’s appeal, Wilfried Zaha, who wanted more protection than the referee.

Zaha said his feet were probably broken before the opposition was sent off following a bad service to the Eagles striker and no action against the matchmaker.

Speaking of Zaha’s allegations, Benitez said: “I’m shocked because the FA usually handles this kind of comment, but I’m sure full of Andre Marriner.

“He is experienced – although his record with our players is not good in terms of red cards, but I am very confident.

“He (Zaha) is a good player, no doubt about it, but I think the FA needs to handle such comments and I’m sure Andre Marriner will not think about it.”

Following a 0-0 draw, a FA statement earlier this morning stated: “Rafael Benitez was charged following a comment before his match on Friday on the appointment of a referee for Newcastle United against Crystal Palace on Saturday.”