Bruce facing FA charge

Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce has been charged with improper conduct towards doping control officials by the Football Association.

The charge relates to his conduct following Birmingham City's match against Plymouth Argyle on November 4 2006.

Bruce has until February 1 2007 to respond to the charge.

Bruce will deny the charge and request a personal hearing to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident at Home Park.

Bruce has been reported for allegedly swearing at doping control officers who had made an unannounced visit to carry out random tests on players from both sides following the match.

There is no suggestion that Bruce was trying to prevent the officers from carrying out the tests but was angry they were interfering with his post-match plans.

The Birmingham manager is likely to be fined if the charge is proved - Burnley boss Steve Cotterill was fined £1,500 for two similar incidents last season.