Manchester United Receive An Apology From The FA After Evidence From The Patrice Evra Hearing Is Leaked

Manchester United have received an apology from the FA, which is as rare as rocking horse shit, following the publication of evidence from Patrice Evra's controversial disciplinary hearing.

United were furious that full-back Evra was punished for clashing with Chelsea groundstaff at Stamford Bridge last season, and angry the details were released before they even decided whether to appeal.

The FA branded defender Gary Neville, who was at the flare-up, "abusive" in a damning report into the incident.

Sir Alex Ferguson's No.2, Mike Phelan, was called an "unreliable" witness by the FA, who levelled the same charge at Evra's "exaggerated" version of events, effectively branding United liars.

United, who won't appeal Evra's four-game ban, welcomed the apology and declared the matter "closed".

Typical rubbish from the FA and all the clowns who work there....Back To Home Page

Manchester United's Evra Receives Four Match Ban

Manchester United's Patrice Evra has been banned for four matches and fined £15,000 after the hearing into last season's post-match altercation with a groundsman at Stamford Bridge.

The FA found the Manchester United defender guilty of improper conduct.

A United statement called the ban "excessive" and Evra will miss four matches commencing from 22 December. Chances are they will appeal the decision anyway.

Chelsea were fined £25,000 for failing to ensure an employee conducted himself in an orderly fashion. The FA said charges that groundsman Sam Bethell had used racially abusive language towards Evra after the match could not be proven.

Manchester United left a statement on their website: "Manchester United note the announcement from the FA and are disappointed with the decision and in particular consider the sanctions against Patrice Evra excessive. Manchester United and Patrice will consider all options once there has been an opportunity to digest the full reasons for the decision. There will be no further comment."

The hearing in London finished on Friday and was attended by officials from both clubs, with the cases being heard separately by the FA's regulatory commission. Evra and his team-mates were asked to move while warming down, sparking the row after last season's 2-1 league defeat in April. Evra, Gary Neville, Park Ji-Sung, Danny Wellbeck, John O'Shea and Paul Scholes - who did not feature in the match - were running on the field in a warm-down about 30 minutes after the final whistle when the trouble broke out.

The Frenchman and Bethell were pictured having a confrontation following the incident, with Bethell raising a fist towards Evra while being held back by two Chelsea staff members.

The FA said Evra had struck Bethell on the side of the head, and that the player admitted to pushing a different groundsman with his chest..... Back To Home Page...