Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew faces an FA rap for questioning Howard Webb's appointment for the derby with Sunderland.
He was worried Toon midfielder Joey Barton would not get a fair crack of the whip against Sunderland after a controversial start to the season.
Last Saturday, Barton was stamped on by Arsenal's Alex Song and slapped by Gervinho, before admitting he play-acted to get the latter sent off.
Pards said: "In a gameplan, Joey would get a mention so the ref needs to make sure he referees from a completely neutral point of view."
An FA source told The Sun: "All managers know it's a rule they don't comment on refs before games. It really is as simple as that."
