Improper conduct: FA charge G/Keeper Achterberg , Hodges

Liverpool goalkeeper coach John Achterberg and Newcastle sport scientist Daniel Hodges have been charged by the FA following their explosive touchline clash at Anfield last Wednesday.

A debut strike for Alexander Isak fired the Magpies ahead at half-time, but Jurgen Klopp’s side battled back in the second-half thanks to a 61st-minute equaliser from Roberto Firmino and a last-gasp winner from new summer signing Fabio Carvalho.

Throughout the second-half, the Reds had grown increasingly frustrated with Newcastle’s time-wasting and gamesmanship, and their celebrations to Carvalho’s late winner sparked a heated melee between the two dugouts.

It was revealed that the FA had launched an investigation into the explosive clash, after a Newcastle staff member was accused of allegedly throwing a bottle towards the Liverpool technical area.

But an FA spokesperson has revealed on Tuesday that Liverpool’s Achterberg and Newcastle’s Hodges have been charged for their poor conduct on the touchline.

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During the altercation, Achterberg appeared to stick two fingers up towards the Magpies coaching staff.

The FA’s statement read: ‘Coaches from Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC have been charged with breaching FA Rule E3 during their Premier League fixture on Sunday 31 August 2022.

‘It is alleged that the behaviour of John Achterberg and Daniel Hodges in the 98th minute of the game was improper, and that the Liverpool coach also used abusive and/or insulting gestures.’

The governing body also stated that the pair have until Thursday to provide their respective responses.