Date set for Norwich City boss Lambert’s FA hearing
Norwich City manager Paul Lambert seems set to watch his first East Anglian derby from the stands after the Football Association confirmed his personal hearing will take place tomorrow.
The Canaries boss has admitted a charge of improper conduct following City's controversial 3-3 draw at Reading earlier this month and with his meeting at Wembley Stadium taking place before Monday's FA fast tracked deadline – and more importantly, Sunday's visit from Ipswich Town – Norwich could have to deal with the red hot derby atmosphere without their manager on the touchline. The standard sanction for a first offence is a one-match ban and fine, but it is unknown what bearing Lambert's two previous improper conduct offences will have on the FA Regulatory Commission's decision.
The Scot was fined and warned as to his future conduct in his last game as Colchester boss in August 2009, and incurred a one-game ban in April following City's defeat at Tranmere.
The derby is being televised on the BBC, and will be the first meeting between the arch enemies since City's Championship relegation and subsequent League One title under Lambert last season.
The City boss has also ensured a smooth transition to life back in the second tier – something that has put Norwich three points above their Suffolk rivals going into Sunday's mouth-watering clash.
Should the FA be unconvinced by Lambert's arguments at the personal hearing he requested, his punishment will be announced soon after – and come into effect immediately.
Several incidents at the Madejski Stadium, including Grant Holt's red card – later rescinded on appeal – and Lambert being sent to the stands in injury time for leaving his technical area to check on Korey Smith – who took a whack from Jem Karacan that was unpunished by referee Michael Oliver and left the midfielder out of Saturday's draw with Leeds – all conspired to rile the Norwich boss.
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But it is his conduct and language after the final whistle towards Oliver in the tunnel area that brought about his current charge.
