Bellamy dodges ban as FA decide to warn striker
MANCHESTER CITY striker Craig Bellamy yesterday escaped punishment for his altercation with a pitch invader during Sunday’s explosive derby at Manchester United.
The Football Association decided only to issue Bellamy with a warning for the clash, in which he appeared to push the spectator in the face while the man was being held by stewards.
Wales international Bellamy had been expected to be charged with improper conduct or even violent conduct, offences that typically carry bans of between one and three games.
But the FA said referee Martin Atkinson had reviewed video evidence of the incident, which took place in the dying seconds of United’s 4-3 win, and confirmed he would not have sent off Bellamy had he seen the flashpoint.
The FA also warned United substitute Gary Neville about his boisterous goal celebration, which involved running down the touchline to revel in front of travelling City supporters.
United, meanwhile, avoided censure for a half-time incident in which City substitute Javier Garrido was hit by a coin.
The FA’s treatment of Bellamy is a major fillip for City, who are already without several key forwards, including Emmanuel Adebayor, who was last week banned for violent conduct.
City manager Mark Hughes earlier defended Bellamy, who is no stranger to controversy, arguing that his actions had been in self-defence. “All Craig has done is go over there and tell the guy to get off the pitch,” said Hughes, whose team face Fulham tonight in the Carling Cup.
“The guy made an aggressive move towards him and Craig wanted to get him off the pitch.
“Craig just put a defensive hand out to push him away. You can never be quite sure what is going to happen in those situations.”