Frank Lampard has been charged by the Football Association for comments he made after Everton’s Merseyside derby defeat.
Lampard lamented referee Stuart Attwell’s decision not to award a penalty after Anthony Gordon was pushed by Joel Matip in last month’s Anfield clash.
The decision was not subject to a VAR review in the game, which the Blues went on to suffer a 2-0 reversal at the hands of Liverpool on April 24.
Goodison Park officials have sought answers from the Premier League’s main refereeing body, the Professional Match Games Officials Board (PGMOL).
However Lampard has since incurred retrospective disciplinary action from the FA, who claim his post-match remarks constitute an improper conduct charge.
A spokesman said: “It is alleged that the manager’s comments constitute improper conduct as they imply bias and/or attack the integrity of the match referee – or referees generally and/or bring the game into disrepute contrary to FA rule E3.1.
“Frank Lampard has until Monday, 9 May to provide a response.”
Speaking immediately after the game, Lampard argued that a similar scenario would have been given in Liverpool’s favour if it had involved Mohamed Salah.
“It is a penalty for me. You don’t get them here,” he said at the time.
“If that was Mo Salah at the other end he gets a penalty.
“I’m not trying to create conflict; it’s just the reality of football. I have played in teams in the top half of the league – you get them.
“That was a penalty for sure. It’s a clear foul.”