SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has been hit with a misconduct charge by the Football Association.

Brown was critical of the officials following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Bury after the Shakers were awarded a controversial late penalty.

And he has now been punished for his comments.

An FA statement read: "Southend United manager Phil Brown has been charged for misconduct in relation to the game against Bury on 8 May 2016.

“It is alleged that on five separate occasions from the 93rd minute through to 30mins after the game his language and/or behaviour was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper.

“He has until 6pm on 16 May 2016 to respond to the charge.”

Brown called the decision to award Bury a late penalty "an absolute disgrace" after Sam McQueen was adjudged to have handled the ball.

He also demanded the assistant referee who made the decision to be struck off.