Cambridge United head coach Neil Harris has been charged by the Football Association for improper conduct following a controversial incident at Burton Albion. The charge stems from his dismissal by referee Elliott Swallow after Burton's 90th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw, a goal later found to have been scored by hand.
According to the Cambridge Independent, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has since apologised to Cambridge United for the officiating error. Harris has until Monday, September 14, to formally respond to the charge. "I am extremely disappointed and will be responding to the charge by Monday, September 14," Harris said.
The match at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium ended in high controversy. Cambridge had taken a lead, only for Burton to level deep into stoppage time. Post-match video evidence confirmed the decisive goal involved a handball, a fact missed by the match officials. This prompted the immediate reaction from Harris that led to his red card and the subsequent FA charge.
The incident comes as Cambridge United have made a solid start to their League One campaign. They currently sit 6th in the table with 8 points from their first five matches, claiming a positive goal difference of 3. Despite the charge, Harris will be allowed to lead the team from the dugout for their next match. Director of football Mark Bonner and the club are supporting the manager through the process.
Attention now turns to the pitch, with a quick turnaround for Harris's side. Cambridge United travel to face Oxford United this Saturday, September 12. Oxford currently occupy 11th place in the League One standings. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. The team will be looking to build on their current form, which reads DWLWD, and close the four-point gap to leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
