Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry was Tuesday charged for verbally abusing fourth official Mark Clattenburg during the football club's loss to league leaders and neighbours Manchester United. United opened a six-point gap at the top of the English Premier League table after a thrilling 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium Sunday.

The incident took place after the full time. Barry is understood to have been angry with the official's decision to award Robin van Persie a free kick in the dying minutes of the game which the Dutchman duly converted to give United the derby win.

A statement released by the FA read: "The charge is for a breach of the FA Rule E3 in that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official following the Manchester City versus Manchester United game Sunday, 9 December 2012.

"Barry has until 4 p.m. Thursday 13 December 2012 to respond to the charge."

If he accepts the charge he will receive a one-match ban -- if he denies the charge and is found guilty he will be banned for two matches.

Machester City are second in the table four points ahead of European champions Chelsea.