THE FA has charged Hartlepool United with a breach of rules following the game with Dover in September.

While former boss Craig Hignett was given a two-game touchline ban after a run in with the officials – he served one of the games before being sacked – the club has had to wait for their charges to be levied.

After Dover’s opening goal, a confrontation between supporters in the Town End and the visiting players led to racist abuse being hurled in their direction. The game was held up while the situation was dealt with by players and officials, with both Hignett and his counterpart Andy Hessenthaler discussing the possibility of the game being abandoned.

The club has responded to the charge with a statement, which reads: “Hartlepool United can confirm that we are in receipt of the FA Charge under Rule E20 and will respond accordingly by Tuesday 5th November.

“In previous statements we have made clear our condemnation of individuals’ behaviour during the fixture against Dover Athletic, and have continued to underline our position on discrimination or abuse of any kind through our actions rather than words.

“Our aim has been to set the example on how to respond to matters such as this and we will continue to explore all avenues of education and improvement in that regard.

“We look forward to a fair hearing with The FA.’’

The FA charge reads: “It's alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators, and all people purporting to be its spectators or followers conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour, which included a reference, whether express or implied, to race and/or colour, whilst attending this match.

The club has until November 5th to provide a response.”