The Mackem boss was sent to the stands for the second half of the 5-0 humiliation at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after confronting referee Martin Atkinson in the tunnel at half-time.
The FA are taking further action.
A statement from the FA: "The charge relates to his conduct towards referee Martin Atkinson in the tunnel at half-time of Sunderland's match against Chelsea on Saturday 1st November."
Keane has until November 19 to respond to the charge.How I long for the day we see Keane in one dugout ... and Alan Shearer (as Toon boss) in the other ... at a Tyne/Wear derby.
The history between the two has been well documented, with one incident standing out when Keane was sent off at SJP when he tried to throw a punch at Shearer.
The GOALden Boy read it, backed off, and Keane swung at fresh air.
Shearer kept his control, saying to Keane "You're a prick!" over and over.
Keane lost his cool, and he says in his book "I was sent off, but I wish I had connected with him!"
One day the sparks may fly.