Cryatal Palace manager faces assult allegation

Francis
By Paul Holmes
August 15 2002

Crystal Palace boss Trevor Francis faces an allegation of common assult following Tuesday game against Bradford.

Francis was alleged to have clipped sub keeper Alex Kolinko around the ear after he was heard laughing when Bradford scored.

Francis was sent off and ordered to leave the dugout and watched the remainder of the game in the stand. Palace chairman Simon Jordon said no further action would be taken over the incident he described as a storm in a teacup.

It is believed that a complaint was then made to the Metropolitan Police. A spokesperson for The Met said "We are investigating an allegation of common assault in connection with an incident at Crystal Palace's ground on Tuesday."

The police will not be pressing charges but will act as mediators between the two parties.

Update: The FA will also investigate the claim as revealed in a statement, "Further to an alleged incident during Crystal Palace's home game with Bradford City on Tuesday, the FA have received reports from the referee and fourth official concerning the conduct of Palace manager Trevor Francis.

"Mr Francis is alleged to have assaulted Palace substitute goalkeeper Alex Kolinko. It is understood Kolinko has made a formal complaint to the police on this matter.

"We can now confirm that we are investigating the incident following the officials' reports."