World Cup Referees - Kewell hit by Fifa charge

Australia ace Harry Kewell has been charged by Fifa for insulting referee Markus Merk following their 2-0 defeat to Brazil.

Liverpool star Kewell is thought to have sworn at Merk in the aftermath of Sunday's 2-0 loss.

Kewell, who came off the bench in the game, was unhappy with Merk's officiating throughout the match and aimed a swipe at him.

Fifa have now decided to look into the incident and if found guilty Kewell could face a ban.

"Fifa have opened disciplinary procedures against Harry Kewell," said Fifa communications director Markus Siegler

"It was reported in the referee's report that he insulted the referee several times."

Kewell has until Tuesday to respond and if he is found guilty of misconduct he could miss his side's crucial last Group F game with Croatia.

Merk awarded 25 free-kicks to Brazil while Australia won only nine, but Kewell later defended the referee and said his behaviour after the final whistle was in the "heat of the moment".

"You're frustrated, you're losing the game, every referee puts up with it," said Kewell.

"I mean, it's part and parcel of the game. He knows there's no harm meant by it.

"You go out there and play so well against the world champions and you come off losing, whereas you think you should have come off with something. He understands that, that's the way it is.

"It was a hard match to referee, and he did a good job."