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Thursday, 21 December 2006, 18:54 GMT

Newell denies FA charge over jibe

Mike Newell Luton boss Mike Newell has denied a Football Association charge of improper conduct following his comments made towards female official Amy Raynor.

Newell has requested a personal hearing where he will defend his charges.

Newell said after the match with QPR in November that the appointment of women referees and assistants was "tokenism for the politically-correct idiots".

He was severely reprimanded by the Luton Town board and made a public apology to Raynor.

Newell was incensed that Rayner and referee Andy D'Urso failed to award his side a spot-kick when QPR defender Marcus Bignot tangled with Carlos Edwards in the penalty box in the clash on 10 November.

He said after the game: "It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have but if you start bringing in women, you have big problems.

"Amy Raynor should not be here. I know that sounds sexist but I am sexist"
Mike Newell

"This is Championship football. This is not park football, so what are women doing here? It is tokenism, for the politically-correct idiots.

"She should not be here. I know that sounds sexist but I am sexist, so I am not going to be anything other than that."

Newell has until 21 December to respond. If found guilty, he faces a fine or possible touchline ban.

Luton disassociated themselves with Newell's comments and the former Everton player was prompted into assuring the board that there will be no repeat.



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Related to this story:

Quotes of the week (13 Nov 06 |  Fun and Games )
Newell faces inquiry on 'sexism' (12 Nov 06 |  Luton Town )
Why become a referee? (25 Aug 06 |  Get Involved )
Luton 2-3 QPR (10 Nov 06 |  Championship )
Hatters manager handed FA warning (31 Oct 06 |  Luton Town )
Newell pens new Hatters contract (05 Aug 06 |  Luton Town )

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