England captain John Terry has been charged with improper conduct and his Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho warned over remarks about referee Graham Poll following the Premiership champions' defeat at Tottenham.

The Football Association have come out firmly on Poll's side and have also formally cleared the match official of allegations that he told Chelsea players they "needed to be taught a lesson".

Terry is likely to face a fine, rather than be suspended, if found guilty, while Mourinho has been sent a letter reminding him of his responsibilities.

The controversy blew up on November 5 during Tottenham's 2-1 victory when Terry was sent off for two yellow cards and the Chelsea skipper later claimed Poll had given him conflicting reasons for his second caution.

The FA said in a statement: "John Terry claimed in an interview with Chelsea TV, which was subsequently widely reported, that Graham Poll had given him conflicting reasons for his second yellow card, saying: 'On the pitch, Graham Poll said to me that it was for the barge on [Hossam] Ghaly where I just kept running.

"'Then, after the game, he then said to me it was for the fall when me and Ledley King fell so, you know, he's obviously had a look at it, or got people to look at it and decided that's probably the best option for him and it covers every angle for him.'

"This claim is denied by Graham Poll. The charge has been brought on the basis that John Terry's comments question Graham Poll's integrity and therefore constitute improper conduct."

Terry has until December 15 to respond to the charge.

Poll has also been cleared by the FA of saying anything inappropriate towards Chelsea players during the same match — Ashley Cole claimed the official had told Frank Lampard Chelsea needed a lesson to improve their discipline.

The FA added: "Responses sought from Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Chelsea FC and the match officials confirm that Poll did not say that Chelsea needed 'to be taught a lesson'. There will be no action against any parties on this matter.

"Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been reminded of his responsibilities for media comments related to Poll's performance in the same match and asked to use the relevant official channels to give feedback on the performance of referees. He will not face any formal disciplinary action."

The row sparked further controversies when referees chief Keith Hackett agreed to meet Mourinho — leading Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to question whether Chelsea were being afforded preferential treatment.