Jose Mourinho's Anthony Taylor comments to be probed by FA - report

Jose Mourinho's comments about the appointment of referee Anthony Taylor for Manchester United's match at Liverpool on Monday are to be looked at by the Football Association, Press Association Sport reports.

Mourinho was asked about Manchester-based Taylor -- who is registered with the Cheshire FA -- being given the game after Keith Hackett, former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited body, criticised the move. Hackett said he felt it placed undue pressure on the official.

"I think Mr Taylor is a very good referee but I think somebody with intention is putting such a pressure on him that I feel that it will be difficult for him to have a very good performance,'' Mourinho said.

Press Association Sport reports that the FA's governance team will study Mourinho's comments and may subsequently wish to contact the United boss for his observations.

New rules were introduced in 2009 in an attempt to crack down on prematch comments about officials which could be viewed as intimidatory or influential.

In its statement at the time, the FA said: "Clubs are being advised that any media comments by managers, players or any other club officials relating to appointed match officials prior to a fixture will no longer be allowed -- such prematch comments will be deemed improper and dealt with accordingly.''