FA appealing decision to clear Mourinho of foul language charge

The Football Association will contest an independent panel's decision not to charge Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho for swearing into a television camera following last month's win over Newcastle United, the organization announced Wednesday.

The Portuguese manager appeared to deliver a phrase in his native tongue that translates to "sons of b------" after his side struck three second-half goals to overturn a two-goal deficit at Old Trafford on Oct. 6.

Mourinho had been firmly under the microscope before the match, with The Mirror's David McConnell incorrectly reporting the manager was set to be sacked even if United beat visiting Newcastle. Since that triumph over the Magpies, the Red Devils have drawn with Chelsea and toppled Everton and Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The FA is reportedly surprised the Independent Regulatory Commission - in this case, represented by a three-person panel - chose to clear Mourinho when he directed comments and made a gesture with his right hand at a camera following the victory, according to BBC Sport. The panel apparently reached this judgment even after a lip-reading specialist confirmed Mourinho's remarks in Portuguese were offensive.

If the decision to absolve Mourinho from any wrongdoing is overturned, he will face a touchline ban. United will take on Manchester City and Crystal Palace in their next two domestic tilts after facing Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday.