Sunderland manager Gus Poyet charged over Hull City incident

Steve Bruce and Gus Poyet had to be separated after the Sunderland manager was sent to the stands

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following the match against Hull City on Tuesday.

The charge relates to kicking a water bottle as he was sent to the stands in the 35th minute of the Premier League match, which finished 1-1.

Bruce has been contacted by the FA over a touchline row with Poyet and formally reminded of his responsibilities.

Poyet has until 18:00 GMT on Monday to respond to the charge.

The incident at the KC Stadium occurred with Sunderland trailing 1-0.

Poyet was sent to the stands by referee Mike Dean for reacting badly to a yellow card for midfielder Jack Rodwell, who was booked for diving.

The Sunderland manager kicked over a water bottle carrier in the dugout and then confronted Bruce, who had to be restrained by an assistant referee and his own coaching staff.

Bruce described it as "grown men acting like children", blaming the incident on the "heat of the moment".

Poyet refused to talk about the incident after the game, telling reporters: "What happens on the pitch stays there."

Mike Dean sent Poyet to the stands after his reaction to a booking for Jack Rodwell

Steve Bruce had to be restrained by an assistant referee as he and Poyet remonstrated moments later

Poyet watched the remainder of the 1-1 draw from the stands at the KC Stadium