Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho has escaped a touchline ban after being cleared by the English FA of using foul language.
Television footage appeared to have showed Mourinho saying something, in his native language as he was heading for the tunnel after the final whistle in their remarkable comeback against Newcastle in a Premier League clash earlier this month.
He also made a gesture with his right hand while speaking, pointing with his little finger.
The threat of a touchline ban was hanging over Mourinho before Wednesday’s hearing but it was dismissed by the FA on the ground that it could not be proven.
But a statement issued by the FA said: “A charge against Jose Mourinho for allegedly using language which was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper has been found not proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today.
“It related to an incident at the end of the Manchester United versus Newcastle United game on 6 October 2018.
“Written reasons for the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission will be published in due course. This decision is subject to appeal.”
The full written reasons are likely to be published next week, when the FA’s disciplinary department will consider whether to lodge an appeal.
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Mourinho had been under intense pressure heading into the Newcastle game at Old Trafford amid speculation he would be sacked, regardless of the result, with United not having won any of their four previous matches.