FA charge Rafa for praising ref

RAFA BENITEZ faces an FA rap after PRAISING a Premier League referee before a game.

The Newcastle boss was discussing Wilfried Zaha, who had claimed he did not get enough protection from officials, before his side played Crystal Palace last Saturday.

Benitez expressed confidence in referee Andre Marriner’s “experience” and ability to make unbiased decisions.

But bosses are not permitted to discuss or try to influence officials at all before games.

Now the FA has charged the Spaniard (above) over his pre-match comments and given him until Friday evening to respond.