Stoke City chairman Peter Coates found guilty of improper conduct

The Football Association have found Stoke City chairman Peter Coates guilty of improper conduct over his recent criticism of referees.

Coates has been fined £5,000 for his comments which came in the wake of the Potters' 2-2 draw against West Ham United last month, in which he backed manager Mark Hughes's claims of officials showing bias towards certain teams.

An FA statement read: "Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, Peter Coates has been fined £5,000 in relation to media comments.

"The Stoke City chairman was charged with improper conduct in that his comments alleged and/or implied bias on the part of referees and/or brought the game into disrepute.

"Mr Coates denied the charge and requested a personal hearing at which the breach of FA Rule E3(1) was found proven. He was also warned as to his future conduct and ordered to pay £1,500 towards the cost of the hearing."

Stoke are currently placed 13th in the Premier League table.