Mike Williamson denies violent conduct charge over Johan Elmander clash

23 November 2010 15:59
Newcastle defender Mike Williamson has denied the FA violent conduct charge over his challenge on Bolton striker Johan Elmander. [LNB]The FA disciplinary chiefs took action after reviewing footage of the incident, in which Williamson appeared to head-butt Elmander during the Magpies' 5-1 defeat at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday. [LNB] Heading for trouble: Toon defender Williamson (right) clashes with Elmander [LNB]The former Portsmouth player faces a three-match ban if he is convicted of the offence. A regulatory commission will hear the charge on Wednesday.[LNB]An FA statement said: 'Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has denied a charge of violent conduct.[LNB]'The charge relates to an incident involving Johan Elmander in his side's fixture with Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, 20 November.[LNB]In the dock: Williamson faces a three-match ban[LNB]'A Regulatory Commission will hear the charge on Wednesday, 24 November.'[LNB] Referee Howard Webb, who later sent off Fabricio Coloccini for elbowing Elmander, did not see the incident at the time but concluded it should have been a red card after reviewing video evidence.[LNB]However Newcastle boss Chris Hughton defended his player. He told the Evening Chronicle: 'It was a silly action by Mike, but I think it was the frustration of some five minutes before that when Johan Elmander pulled him down.[LNB]'It's there for everybody to see, he shouldn't have got involved. But what it was was a body-check and no more than that. It was a reaction to Elmander pulling him - it was a yellow card.'[LNB]The Magpies face going into Sunday's clash with champions Chelsea with three key men suspended if Williamson is found guilty.[LNB]As well as Coloccini starting a three-match ban, midfielder Joey Barton remains suspended for punching Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen a week earlier.[LNB] NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Newcastle pair Coloccini and Williamson pay for their moments of madness but Campbell and Taylor should fill the hole nicelyI didn't elbow him! Coloccini insists he's not guilty over swipe at ElmanderNEWCASTLE UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail