FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

The Football Association Tuesday returned a ” not proven ” verdict on allegations that Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer kicked Leicester City’s Neil Lennon in the face in a recent English Premiership match.

The Newcastle player was asked to appear before the FA to explain his actions and was represented by Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor. A three-man commission heard the evidence of Lennon and decided that the incident was provoked by a ” genuine attempt to free himself ” by Shearer.

An FA statement said: ” Having been charged by the FA with alleged breach of FA rule 26a 10 on the basis of video evidence, Alan Shearer pleaded not guilty and requested a personal hearing. “ Gordon Taylor represented Alan Shearer and Neil Lennon was called as a witness in his defence. Statements were also heard from referee Martin Bodenham and assistant referee Alan Kaye.

” The three-man FA commission of Geoff Thompson, the FA vice-chair, Barry Bright and Ian Stott, heard the case and found it not proven. “ In reaching its decision the commission accepted that the incident was initially caused by Neil Lennon pulling at the shirt of Alan Shearer turning round and trapping his leg.

” The commission further accepted that the alleged incident of Alan Shearer swinging out with his left leg was a genuine attempt to free himself. “