SWINDON Town manager Richie Wellens has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after he was shown a red card during Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat at Colchester United.

Reports post-match suggested the Town boss had been sent off at the Colchester Community Stadium alongside United assistant manager Steve Ball.

It was now been confirmed that Wellens’ charge relates to an alleged incident in the tunnel area during the half-time interval.

Following Thursday’s decision by English football’s governing body, Wellens has until Monday to respond to the charge.

The fixture, which Swindon lost 3-0, also saw Town striker Jerry Yates and Colchester full-back Cohen Bramall shown red cards by referee Charles Breakspear during the 90 minutes.

A brief statement on Town’s official website read: “The club can confirm that manager Richie Wellens has been charged with improper conduct following Tuesday’s Carabao Cup game against Colchester.

“It is alleged that Wellens’ behaviour in the tunnel area at half-time amounts to improper conduct.

“Richie has until 6pm on Monday, August 19 to provide a response.

“The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Town return to action on Saturday with a trip to Exeter City in League Two, where striker Yates will begin a three-match suspension for his dismissal against Colchester.