PLAYER-MANAGER Andy Hessenthaler, his assistant Richard Hill and player Barry Ashby have all been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following remarks made to referee Colin Webster at the end of Gillingham's 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on August 27.

All three were incensed by the Durham official's decision to dismiss defender Roland Edge after 71 minutes for a challenge on Albion substitute Adam Chambers and carried on protesting after the final whistle.

Though the trio have 14 days to appeal, Hessenthaler has intimated that he was ready to take on the chin whatever punishment came his way. It now seems certain that both he and Ashby will receive two-match suspensions.

"The three of us have been charged but I won't be appealing," said Hessenthaler. "To appeal would be a waste of time.

"The FA have made up their minds and whatever I say they'll always go with the referee.

"I shall be writing to them anyway and putting my side of the story. I would think that Richard and Barry will be doing the same."

He added: "Things are said in the heat of the moment. It's the way the game is and these things happen."