Rafael Hit By FA Misconduct Charge

Manchester United full-back Rafael has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following his dismissal by Mike Dean on Sunday.

Rafael was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

The 20-year-old Brazilian reacted angrily to Dean's decision and initially refused to leave the pitch.

Rafael has until 1800 GMT on Tuesday to respond to the charge, which the FA said "relates to the player's conduct towards match official Mike Dean".

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson refused to talk about the sending-off of the right-back, who was booked in the first half for a foul on Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios.

His second caution was for an innocuous-looking trip on Assou-Ekotto which appeared accidental.

United striker Wayne Rooney was booked for protesting against the decision and Ferguson said: "I don't need to discuss that.

"You can see for yourself. I don't need to discuss the referee."