FA reprieve

Last updated : 20 November 2002 By Reggie Holdsworth
It will come as great relief to Boro and George Boateng in particular, who was the player under the spotlight.

In a short statement the FA said "Following an incident that occurred during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Leeds United on October 26 at the Riverside, we can confirm that The FA has written to a number of players in relation to this matter reminding them of their responsibilities. There will be no further action."

The FA also announced today that Nicolas Anelka would be free to play against Boro on Saturday. The French Football Federation requested that Anelka should be suspended from domestic football but the FA have refused.

Adrian Bevington, the FA's Communications Manager said "Article 38.2 of the FIFA regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players makes it clear that both a player and club must be notified in writing at least 15 days before the date of the match for which the player is required."

He added: "The correspondence received by Nicolas Anelka and Manchester City notifying the player of his selection is clearly dated November 18, only two days before the match date. Due to these circumstances, The FA does not consider it appropriate that any action should be taken against Nicolas Anelka."

Anelka will have his work cut-out against the second best defence in the Premiership.