Avram Grant is facing FA rap over refs rant

The Football Association have written to Avram Grant and asked him to explain his claim that referees Steve Bennett and Mike Dean handed Manchester United the title on a plate.

The Chelsea manager could now be charged with misconduct after he questioned Bennett's integrity following his display in United's match at Wigan on Sunday.

United won 2-0 to ensure they beat Chelsea to the title by two points, but Grant was angry because Bennett failed to give Wigan a penalty when Rio Ferdinand handled in the area or show Paul Scholes a second yellow after he fouled Wilson Palacios.

Grant chose yesterday's official press conference previewing Chelsea's Champions League Final match against United in Moscow next week to make his feelings known.

He said: "The referee? He was, as expected, good for one team. I think in England there are some very good referees.

"But there are some - a few of them - you can influence, like you saw."

Grant also claimed Dean, who was in charge of Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to United in Grant's first game in charge in September, was wrong to send off John Obi Mikel. The FA will also study a video recording of Grant's comments, although it is understood the Israeli's guilt is not considered clear cut at this stage.