SOCCER: News round-up Graeme Souness is at the centre of a second FA investigation after his banishment from the dug-out at St James' Park on Sunday.
Newcastle's manager, dismissed after 31 minutes of his side's 4-1 defeat by Fulham, returned to pitch level, close to the bench, to watch the rest of the game.
Souness already faces a touchline ban from a charge that will almost certainly arise from his dismissal by the referee Howard Webb.
Now Keith Hackett, the manager of England's referees, is investigating whether Souness also transgressed by not withdrawing into the stand. FA officials joined Hackett in studying the rule book yesterday, the key issue being what constitutes the technical area at St James'.
The boundaries vary according to the local geography of each venue. If Souness is found to have been within the Newcastle technical area, he could face a second charge.
The refusal of a penalty claim brought Souness to the boil. The Scot kicked a water bottle onto the field, an act which Webb has drawn to the attention of the FA.
"Certain remarks have also gone into the report," said Webb, though he has not mentioned Souness's reappearance on the touchline because he was unaware of it.
The FA yesterday contacted Manchester City and Greater Manchester police to look into claims that Robbie Fowler made obscene gestures at Old Trafford.
Fowler, an unused City substitute, is alleged to have responded to jibes from United fans close to the touchline during Sunday's goalless derby by gesturing at them as he warmed up.
City's manager boss Kevin Keegan did not see the alleged incident, although he said that "you should hear the stick Robbie gets from United fans because he played for the three teams they hate - Liverpool, Leeds and now City".
If there is enough evidence, Fowler could be asked to explain himself before a decision is taken on whether he be charged with misconduct.
Bolton have appealed to the FA, claiming their goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was wrongfully sent off in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough.
Jaaskelainen was dismissed for taking down Middlesbrough striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on the edge of the area. But Bolton's manager Sam Allardyce claims that Jaaskelainen was not the last man as his full-back Ricardo Gardner was covering the goalkeeper. The appeal will be heard on Friday.
Banned former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu is set to train with Dinamo Bucharest, the club's coach said yesterday. The 25-year-old, who is to undergo a drug education and rehabilitation programme, was banned for seven months by the English Football Association last week for taking cocaine. He had earlier been dismissed by Chelsea.
Edu is set to make his comeback from injury for Arsenal in tonight's League Cup fourth-round tie at home to Everton as Arsene Wenger again fields a second-string side.
None of the players who started Saturday's Premiership game at Crystal Palace are included in the 16-man squad. However, Edu is fit again after a calf injury, while Jermaine Pennant has recovered from a hamstring injury, and both are included. Left-back Gael Clichy is still sidelined with an ankle problem.
Goalkeeper Richard Wright could miss out for Everton. Wright was due to replace Nigel Martyn in goal but faces a fitness test on a back injury. Gary Naysmith could be back after a fortnight out with an ankle injury while Leon Osman is doubtful with a calf problem, and Lee Carsley is still suspended.
Southampton head coach Steve Wigley is waiting on the fitness of goalkeeper Antti Niemi (knee) before naming his side for the tie at Watford.
