Jose Mourinho likely to escape FA charge after being dismissed late on in Manchester United's narrow victory over Southampton

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Jose Mourinho is unlikely to face action from the FA despite being sent off during Manchester United’s 1-0 victory at Southampton.

Deep into injury-time, referee Craig Pawson dismissed Mourinho after the United boss stepped onto the pitch and also appeared to accidentally collide with fourth official Mike Jones.

It is, however, understood that Mourinho was not abusive to the officials and did not confront them after the game. Referee Pawson had no choice, however, but to send off Mourinho once he was alerted to the encroachment by his fourth official Jones.

Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in injury time during Man United's win at Southampton

Mourinho accidentally appeared to collide with fourth official Mike Jones on Saturday

The Manchester United manager shown encroaching on the field of play during the game

The FA will await Pawson’s report before proceeding with any action. The FA are not duty bound to follow up a dismissal with a charge and if Pawson is not critical of Mourinho’s conduct, the Portuguese can expect to escape charges.

United, meanwhile, will scour CCTV footage to identify supporters who continue to sing the controversial song about striker Romelu Lukaku. Despite pleas from both United and Lukaku to stop the chant that references the size of the striker’s manhood and is seen by critics as a racist stereotype, the club’s travelling fans once again aired the song at Southampton.

Kick It Out, who deemed the chant ‘offensive and discriminatory’, in a letter to United last week, accused supporters of ‘repeated racist chanting’ in a statement on Saturday night.

United once again condemned their own fans, confirming they are ready to support police action against the perpetrators.

Hampshire Police also confirmed they did not receive any complaints with regards to the chants and did not take any action in or around the stadium. The FA remain in contact with United on the issue but are satisfied at this stage that the club are doing everything within their power to manage the situation. 

Mourinho was sent to the stands by the referee following his action in the dying minutes

United's travelling fans once aired the controversial song about Romelu Lukaku