The FA has set tomorrow to hear Paul Lambert's response to his third improper conduct charge, two of them with Norwich.

The outcome of the hearing will have a bearing on the game against Ipswich, the one game where every City supporter would wish him to be at pitch-side.

A first offence usually attracts a one match touchline ban, but who knows what will be the outcome when Lambert's two other cases are taken into consideration.

Lambert's first charge was made when he was still manager with Colchester United, his last match before the move to Carrow Road. Then he was fined £900 and warned as to his future conduct.

Following the defeat at Tranmere, Lambert was again charged, fined £1000 and given a one match touchline ban.

This charge relates to the game against Reading. A game full of controversy with the referee, Michale Oliver. It seems Oliver has charged Lambert in regards to his behaviour in the tunnel after the game.

To Lambert's credit, he has admitted his guilt, although that holds no sway for the FA who tend to ignore the right thing to do in order to back the referee, regardless of his showing in a particular game.

Lambert probably told the referee exactly what every Norwich City supporter wanted to say; that the red card to Grant Holt cost City two points. Although the way he said that would have held much more colour and invective.

There is not a great deal of hope that the FA will consider Michael Oliver's self inflicted injuries to his refereeing abilities, but we will all know later today where Paul Lmabert will be watching his frist derby from.

Photo: Action Images

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