Sam Allardyce denies Football Association misconduct charge

West Ham's Sam Allardyce

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has denied a Football Association misconduct charge over his comments to the media following his side's 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

Allardyce said the decision to deny his side a penalty at Old Trafford, but award one to Sir Alex Ferguson's side, was down to home advantage.

Wayne Rooney missed the second-half spot-kick but Allardyce was angered at the decision to award it.

He has requested a personal hearing.

The FA confirmed in a statement: "West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has denied an FA charge of misconduct in relation to media comments.

"It is alleged Allardyce questioned the integrity of the match referee and/or match officials in general, and/or implied that the match referee and/or match officials in general were motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into disrepute.

"Allardyce has requested a personal hearing, the date of which will be set in due course."

West Ham were denied a penalty when the ball struck defender Rafael's arm, before the hosts were awarded one when Jordan Spence handled late on.

"You see it time and time again at Old Trafford," Allardyce said at the end of the match.

"There's no doubt about the difference between Rafael's handball and Jordan Spence's. Spence plays for West Ham and the away team, while Rafael plays for the home side at Old Trafford."