Cardiff City issue statement after FAW fine.

Last updated : 22 May 2002 By Michael Morris
David Temme, the Chief Executive read out the following statement

"The club respects the decision of the FAW which it believes was given under extreme pressure from the FA and the London media.

"The club regards disorder at football matches with abhorrence. The club disagrees with the conclusion of the FAW in relation to the pitch encroachment charge, but welcomes being cleared of the missile-throwing charge.

"The level of fine, below the protocol level, demonstrates, we believe, the value the commission must have put on the performance of Cardiff City's stewards on the day."

FAW Secretary-General David Collins read out the statement outlining the findings of the hearing.

"We recognise the efforts Cardiff City have made over the last few years in attempting to rid itself of the small hooligan element among its support.

"However, the panel, in its consideration of the evidence, has found Cardiff City guilty of misconduct with regard to the encroachment and violent behaviour of a number of its fans.

"With regard to the charge of missile throwing, the panel found the club not guilty as it believed Cardiff had done everything in its power to eliminate this problem.

"We have fined Cardiff City £20,000. They have also been instructed to publish in every one of its match programmes for 2002-03 a half-page warning notice.

"The club must also post warning notices inside and outside the ground, the wording of which will be decided upon by the Football Association of Wales. The panel has also decided that all costs of the hearing will be borne by Cardiff."

The FAW disciplinary committe was made up of FAW councillors Ken Hughes, Chris Whitely and David Griffiths while Cardiff City were represented by David Temme, former chairman Steve Borley and director and barrister Johnathon Crystal.

Sam Hamman, who was critisised for his pitch walking, was not at the meeting.