Tony Xia fined after accusing referee Jeremy Simpson of being an 'Aston Villa hater'
Aston Villa owner Tony Xia has been issued with a £4,000 fine from the FA following comments made via social media.
The outspoken chairman tweeted from his personal account on September 30th following Aston Villa's win over Bolton Wanderers, questioning the performance of referee Jeremy Simpson.
In the tweet, which has since been deleted, Xia wrote: "Is the ref a AV hater? Not our day but 3 points only matters. Need keep going after the break. Consistency is the key this season. #UTV."
Simpson irked supporters throughout the game, most notably sending left-back Neil Taylor off in the dying minutes for a challenge which Villa since appealed.
The decision was upheld however, meaning the Welshman misses three games through suspension.
Xia has now been warned about his future conduct following the fine, which was confirmed by the FA online.
"The Aston Villa owner and chairman made comments via social media on Saturday 30 September 2017, which constituted improper conduct in that they questioned the integrity of the match official and/or alleged and/or implied bias on the part of the match official, and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to FA Rule E3(1)." read the statement.
"The matter was heard before an Independent Regulatory Commission."
Simpson has brandished two red cards this season, with Taylor joined by Rotherham's Joe Mattock in being given their marching orders.
He's set to take charge of Leeds' clash with Reading this weekend in the Championship.
