Kyle Critchell: Portland boss awaits ban after FA charge

Critchell’s charge relates to comments made in his post-match interview regarding the officiating of Portland’s 4-2 loss at Cowes Sports in December.

The interview was carried out by Portland’s media team and posted on social media, alerting the relevant authorities to a possible breach of the laws.

Under current sanction guidelines, Critchell will face a minimum one-game ban, which could rise to three or even 10 depending on the severity of the charge.

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Explaining the situation from his side, Critchell told Echosport: “It was actually for foul and abusive language because of my post-match interview at Cowes.

“They’ve charged me, so I’m waiting for my ban. I’ve accepted what I said wasn’t correct.

“They’ve taken out three things that I’ve said in that interview and have decided that it’s a potential charge.

“I have accepted that I may get a ban, I don’t know how long it will be for, and a fine.

“We obviously put it on Twitter (X). I’ve been a player for a long time. Don’t get me wrong, what I said probably shouldn’t have been said in the heat of the battle.

“For me, I don’t see that as foul and abusive language. Maybe bringing the game into disrepute by challenging what I believed weren’t good decisions.

“I haven’t abused anyone, it’s tough.”

And, while Critchell acknowledged officials are, more than ever, facing a difficult job, he admitted recent developments had “taken away” his enjoyment of the game.

He added: “We just need to focus on the game, rather than any decisions, which is really hard.

“I’ll be honest, it’s taken away my enjoyment of the game over the last five or six games because of some of the things that we’re witnessing.

“But, as I’ve explained before, there’s a shortage of referees and they do a fantastic job. It’s really tough for them.”

Weather permitting, Portland travel to US Portsmouth this afternoon (3pm).