Villa praised for crowd control

While Dion Dublin faces a double charge of improper conduct, Christophe Dugarry one charge for the same offence and both clubs charged with failing to control their players, Villa have been praised by the FA for their first-class handling of the derby at Villa Park on March 3rd.

In a letter to the club, reproduced in the B'ham Evening Mail, the FA said: “From the information gathered by the FA it is evident that the safety management operation mounted by Aston Villa and the police was first class.

“Four persons, apparently Villa supporters, did encroach on to the pitch in separate incidents, but each one was apprehended by stewards and arrested by police.

“In these circumstances, and taking into account the previous good conduct by Villa supporters, the FA has decided not to charge the club under FA rules in respect of incidents of crowd miscon-duct at the match.”