Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan denies FA misconduct charge

Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan is contesting a Football Association charge of improper conduct.

The charge is in relation to comments Ryan made about referee Mick Russell after his side's 4-3 defeat by Portsmouth, a result which consigned them to relegation.

Ryan has requested a personal hearing where he intends to provide evidence to support the comments he made.

He told the club website: "How can you be charged with telling the truth?"

After the match against Pompey, Ryan said Russell should not be allowed to referee future matches, and added that he viewed his display as a "dereliction of duty".

The Rovers chairman also said that "arguably" none of the Portsmouth goals should have stood.