Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is ready to take action against the FA over a perceived bias against his club.

Southgate's fury was brought to a head when Jeremie Aliadiere's three-game ban for being sent off at Liverpool was increased to four because of a 'frivolous' appeal.

But his anger runs deeper, given that he has implemented a policy of not haranguing referees to set a good example.

He has still watched his side pick up 77 bookings this term, because he feels they are not one of the more high-profile clubs.

Southgate said: "For me in society generally, there's a lack of respect for officials so we've got to set some sort of example.

"But it could put us at a disadvantage because there are certain places and certain people that referees feel under more pressure from.

"Maybe subconsciously they think that Middlesbrough won't kick up a fuss so there'll be no comeback if we make that decision.

"We have thought to ourselves, perhaps we should forget what we're trying to do and just be critical like everyone else because it doesn't seem to be doing us any favours. Would we get more decisions if we did?

"I'd be sad if that was the case and I still don't think it'd be the right thing to do but we're in a professional results-driven game."