Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson has been charged by the Football Association over his comments about the Blues’ play-off first leg referee.

The FA have charged the United boss with misconduct over his post-match remarks about referee Ross Joyce following the 1-0 semi-final first leg defeat at Bradford City.

Simpson is accused of implying bias, questioning Joyce’s integrity and/or bringing the game into disrepute.

He has until Friday to provide a response. Carlisle have tonight not commented on the news.

In post-match interviews at Valley Parade, Simpson described official Joyce as a "homer".

He said he had not accused the referee of deliberately favouring United's opponents, but felt many of his decisions had gone the hosts' way.

Simpson said: "I just hope the referee’s a homer when we’re playing at Brunton Park next Saturday, because I thought he was [here].

“I don't think that's the reason that we've lost the game 1-0, but there were so many decisions that he has given in their favour and he's not giving us anything.

“That's really frustrating because I think this guy's a good referee. On [this] performance, I thought he was good for the home team, but not for us.”

Simpson added that he hoped for an official who was “fair for both sides” in the second leg.

He criticised Joyce's failure to award Carlisle a "stonewall" penalty and said Joyce failed to award United decisions despite striker Joe Garner being "absolutely battered four or five times."

News and Star: Simpson criticised the performance of first-leg referee Ross JoyceSimpson criticised the performance of first-leg referee Ross Joyce (Image: Richard Parkes)

“I just don't think we got the rub of the green off a referee who was very, very home sided today," he added.

“And that's hugely disappointing because I think the guy’s a really good referee. At no point am I saying he's cheating us, but I don't think he was fair. As simple as that."

Speaking ahead of the second leg, Bantams manager Mark Hughes said he was "surprised" by what Simpson had said about the referee.

Hughes said he felt his opposite number risked a fine with his comments.

"Paul’s an experienced manager and I thought what he said did question the integrity of the officials and that’s a ‘no-no’," said Hughes.

“You can always question their performance because sometimes it’s valid criticism. But questioning the integrity is a path I try and avoid.

“It was a bit of a surprise really that he came out with that. It’s an emotional game and perhaps that overtook him.

“Maybe he’s had a slap on the wrist, I don’t know. If it had been me, I’d have got fined.”

Carlisle lost the first leg 1-0 before winning the second leg 3-1 at Brunton Park to win 3-2 on aggregate and reach Sunday's final against Stockport County.