Jose Mourinho has escaped a possible touchline ban for comments made after Manchester United's win over Newcastle – but the FA are ready to launch an appeal against the decision.
The FA were said to be “surprised” the case against Mourinho was not proven by an independent commission, who found in favour of the Old Trafford boss.
United vigorously contested the charge for using abusive, insulting or improper language after the 3-2 home win at the start of this month.
Mourinho faced the sack with his Reds trailing 2-0 against winless Newcastle before goals from Anthony Martial, Juan Mata and, in the closing stages, Alexis Sanchez.
He was charged with misconduct after he mouthed an obscenity in his native Portuguese into a TV camera after the final whistle.
The 55-year-old said "fodas filhos de puta", which translates into English as ‘f*** off sons of b*****s" as he walked down the touchline.
The FA brought in lip readers and linguistics experts to build a case against the United boss, but the commission rejected the charge, meaning Mourinho has escaped punishment – for now.
An appeal against the finding could still be lodged and a statement from the FA read: "A charge against Jose Mourinho for allegedly using language which was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper has been found not proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today.
"It related to an incident at the end of the Manchester United versus Newcastle United game on 6 October 2018.
"Written reasons for the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission will be published in due course. This decision is subject to appeal."
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The full written reasons are likely to be published next week, when the FA's disciplinary department will consider whether to appeal.
United mounted a vigorous defence of Mourinho, with one successful aspect understood to be the precedent it would set if any audible swearing from managers and players were to be punished by a charge of misconduct.
The last-gasp win ended a shocking run for Man United, who have been in much better form in recent weeks.
Mourinho's men followed up that great escape with a 2-2 draw at Chelsea before seeing off Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United take on high-flying Bournemouth this weekend ahead of a crunch week, which includes a Champions League trip to Juventus and an away Manchester derby against champions and leaders City.