KEVIN Davies could be in hot water with the Football Association after comments made about referee Mark Clattenburg.

The Wanderers skipper will be asked to explain his claim that the Tyne and Wear official had “something personal” against him — after he had ruled out what would have been a crucial last-minute winner against Fulham at the Reebok last Saturday.

Clattenburg has shown the yellow card to Davies four times in five meetings this season, accounting for half of the striker’s total bookings.

And an FA spokesman confirmed that they will wait for the 32-year-old’s response before deciding whether to charge him.

Davies told The Bolton News after Saturday’s game: “When I saw who was the referee I didn’t expect to get anything off him. Over the years I have never got much from him. There was a penalty at Old Trafford last season and he did nothing — but I got a booking.

“Numerous bookings over the years — I don’t know, I have always felt there is something personal there.

“Every time he referees us, I don’t expect to get anything.”

And speaking before Tuesday night’s defeat at Manchester City, Owen Coyle stuck up for his captain — adding that he should not receive any penalty.

“He certainly shouldn’t be reprimanded,” he said.

“Kevin is a very honest player. He is a physical player, that’s the way he plays the game. But he probably gets hit more than anyone else as well. You need a balance.

“He is a terrific captain and a terrific player, who scored a perfectly good goal. It is only right he feels aggrieved.

“If people are going to get into trouble for being honest, it is a sad day.”