An FA statement said: "David Moyes has been charged in relation to comments made after the game against Burnley on 18 March 2017.

"It is alleged the Sunderland manager's remarks were improper and/or threatening and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to FA Rule E3(1).

"He has until 6pm on 3 May 2017 to reply to the charge."

Should Moyes either admit or be found guilty of the alleged offence by an independent regulatory commission, he is likely to face a fine and could be asked to attend an education course.

The charge arises from a conversation which took place between the Black Cats boss and BBC Newcastle and Radio Five Live reporter Vicki Sparks at the end of a post-match interview.

Moyes was unhappy with one of Sparks' questions and warned her to be careful next time and that she "might get a slap".

Although the interview was over, the camera was still running and footage of the incident was published weeks later by a national newspaper.

Amid a furore, it was revealed that Moyes had later apologised to Sparks - who did not make a complaint - by telephone and that she had accepted it, and he was contrite when questioned about the matter in public.

He said: "In the heat of the moment, I made a mistake in my comments to a BBC reporter, which I profoundly regret. I was disappointed with myself for it.

"I subsequently phoned the reporter and apologised, which she accepted. It's not my character, it's not my type, as most people know and once again I apologise for it."

Moyes is battling to preserve Sunderland's Premier League status with the club 12 points adrift of safety at the foot of the table heading into Wednesday night's derby trip to Middlesbrough.