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Aston Villa's Dean Smith charged over ref blast

Dean Smith has been charged by the FA after being sent off during Villa’s defeat to Manchester City.

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City took the lead in the 79th minute of Wednesday’s clash with a controversial goal that saw Rodri come from an offside position to tackle Tyrone Mings before teeing up Bernardo.

Smith was booked for asking the fourth official if he got ‘juggling balls for Christmas’, implying he is a clown.

He then got a red card for another sarcastic remark to referee Jon Moss.

Smith has now been charged by the FA for the comments and has until Tuesday to respond.

The charge could result in up to a two-match touchline ban if evidence of abusive or insulting language is found.

An FA statement said: “Dean Smith has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following Aston Villa FC’s Premier League match against Manchester City. It is alleged the manager used abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official during the 81st minute. Dean Smith has until Tuesday to respond to the charge.”

Meanwhile, Marseille boss Andre Villas-Boas has slammed Villa’s offer for Morgan Sanson as ‘pathetic’ and confirmed the bid has been rejected.

Villa are among a host of Premier League clubs interested in the midfielder who is valued at £20million.

“We had a very weak offer from Villa which we turned down,” Villas-Boas said. “It was pathetic. I hope that he (Sanson) remains professional.”

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