Chelsea's Antonio Conte accepts FA charge and will pay fine after dismissal against Swansea

The Italian was sent to the stands by referee Neil Swarbrick towards the end of the first half of Chelsea's 1-0 victory on Wednesday

Antonio Conte was sent from the touchline on Wednesday night (PA)

Antonio Conte will accept an FA charge of misconduct following his dismissal against Swansea on Wednesday.

The Italian was sent to the stands by referee Neil Swarbrick towards the end of the first half of Chelsea's 1-0 victory after furiously protesting the award of a Swansea goal-kick.

He later apologised to Swarbrick and fourth official Lee Mason but was charged on Thursday. He has until 6pm on Tuesday to respond but does not plan to contest the charge and will accept the punishment, which is anticipated to be a fine.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Newcastle, Conte said: "I think it's right to accept and to pay the fine. I want to respect this decision and also to pay this fine."

He added: "I hope also the referee will learn something about this, because Swansea were wasting time. In this situation the referee has to protect the team that wants to play football, to try to win the game.

"I hope in the future that I tell my players to go on the pitch and tell this to the referee. I'll try to avoid suggesting this to the fourth official. I'll change because I'll go to my players to get them to tell this to the referee."