The Football Association has rejected Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho’s appeal over a charge of improper conduct.

Mourinho was charged after first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on 12 January when he claimed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson put pressure on referee Neale Barry.

Mourinho was fined £5,000 and warned as to his future conduct.

In a post-match interview the Portuguese boss told Chelsea TV: “In the second half it was whistle and whistle, fault and fault, cheat and cheat.

“The referee controlled the game in one way during the first half but in the second they had dozens of free kicks.

“I know the referee did not walk to the dressing rooms alone at half-time.

“He should only have had his two assistants and the fourth official with him but there was also someone else.”