DARLINGTON boss David Hodgson should find out within the next 48 hours what his punishment will be for his sending off at Swansea City.

The Football Association are awaiting referee Clive Penton's report before deciding whether Hodgson should be banned from the touchline.

Penton claims the Quakers boss was shown the red card for repeated use of bad language towards the fourth official during Saturday's 1-0 defeat at the Vetch Field.

The referee's report should arrive at FA headquarters this morning, and a Football League spokesman said last night: "He has been reported to the FA for foul and abusive language.

"He was initially warned twice in the first half by the fourth official. At half-time the fourth official told the referee what had happened.

"The fourth official was told to tell the referee if the manager said anything in the second half. About 60 minutes in, the referee was called over for a word and it was then that the manager was sent off."

But Hodgson, who was handed a 40-day touchline ban four years ago for a similar offence, insists he doesn't know what he has done wrong.

"When I asked the official to explain to me why I was sent off he told me to read his report," he said. "Why couldn't he tell me then the reason why I was sent off.

"It just doesn't make sense. I couldn't believe it because I had fans behind the dug-outs catapulting paper balls at me, while I'm coaching. What's worse? I hope they don't give me a ban."

Meanwhile, Darlington will find out today if they have been successful in their striker search.

Hodgson has held talks with a young forward from a Premiership club, but three other clubs are also in the hunt.

Hodgson, who prefers for the player's name to remain under wraps, said: "I should find out about two o'clock on Tuesday. He has been out on loan and he is exactly the type of striker we need. He's got good passing ability and can score goals."

* Darlington Supporters' Trust and Darlington Supporters' Club are holding a joint fans forum on Thursday night at 8pm in the Presidential Suite at the Reynolds Arena.

David Hodgson is the guest speaker, and it's hoped other staff from the club will also attend.

Admission is free for members of either fans group, and there will be a £1 cover charge for non-members, who can join on the evening if they wish.

Read more about the Quakers here.