Sunderland manager David Moyes charged by FA over ‘slap’ threat to female reporter

Sunderland manager David Moyes has been charged by the Football Association over comments in which he suggested he might "slap" a female reporter.

The Scot apologised and said he deeply regretted his remarks to BBC Newcastle and Radio Five Live reporter Vicki Sparks in a post-match interview.

The exchange was caught on camera following Sunderland's 0-0 draw with Burnley.

Following a question over whether the presence of owner Ellis Short puts extra pressure on him, Moyes - thinking he was off air - said: "You were just getting a wee bit naughty at the end there, so just watch yourself.

"You still might get a slap even though you're a woman. Careful the next time you come in."

A statement from the FA said alleged his remarks were "improper and/or threatening and/or brought the game into disrepute",

Moyes has until 18:00 BST on Wednesday, 3 May to reply to the charge.

Sunderland condemned their manager's comments, which they branded 'wholly unacceptable', but ruled out sacking him as a result.

Moyes said in the week following the incident that Sparks had accepted his personal apology.

He said at a press conference last month: "In the heat of the moment, I made a mistake in my comments to a BBC reporter, which I profoundly regret. I was disappointed with myself for it.

"I subsequently phoned the reporter and apologised, which she accepted. It's not my character, it's not my type, as most people know and once again I apologise for it."

Should the boss either admit or be found guilty of the alleged offence by an independent regulatory commission, he is likely to face a fine and could be asked to attend an education course.

Moyes is battling to preserve Sunderland's Premier League status with the club 12 points adrift of safety at the foot of the table heading into Wednesday night's derby trip to Middlesbrough.