Source: Daily_Mail
City's Bellamy escapes FA charge for attacking fan during Manchester derby
Craig Bellamy is free to play in the Carling Cup for Manchester City against Fulham tonight after he escaped punishment for shoving a supporter in the face during Sunday's derby at Old Trafford.
Bellamy clashed with a fan who ran on to the pitch after Michael Owen scored his late winner for Manchester United to edge a titanic match 4-3.
But despite suggestions the Wales captain would be charged with violent conduct and banned for three games, the FA revealed Bellamy would merely be warned as to his future conduct.
Referee Martin Atkinson - blamed by City for playing too much added time and allowing Owen to score his goal - appears to have been central to Bellamy escaping punishment after the official told the FA he would not have sent off the striker had he
seen the incident.
In another development that could work in City’s favour, United substitute Gary Neville learned that he would not be charged after running down the touchline to celebrate in front of the City fans.
Seeing red: Gary Neville races down the touchline to goad Manchester City fans after United's late winner in the derby
An FA statement said last night: ‘The FA has warned both Manchester City’s Craig Bellamy and Manchester United’s Gary Neville following separate incidents in Sunday’s fixture at Old Trafford.
‘Craig Bellamy will be contacted by the FA and warned as to his future conduct. Gary Neville has been reminded of his responsibilities following his actions after Manchester United’s final goal.’
Before yesterday’s ruling, City boss Mark Hughes had insisted Bellamy should not be punished.
Hughes said: ‘Everyone has to look at it in the context of the game. The guy should not have been on the pitch. Craig went over to tell him to get off as quickly as he could, the guy made an aggressive move towards him and Craig has instinctively put his hand up in a defensive manner and pushed the lad away.
‘That is the top and bottom of it and I think people will see that for what it is. You can’t take emotion out of football because that is what you are trying to create - that passion from the players' point of view is fundamental to how they grow and develop as top players.
‘You have to have it. It can make the difference between a technically gifted player becoming a very good player who will have an impact on more games because that passion can give you the edge you need.’
United have also avoided any disciplinary action after City substitute Javier Garrido was struck on the head by a coin as he headed down the tunnel.
Craig Bellamy
Needless: Despite stewards having already detained the pitch invader, Bellamy decides to approach and make his feelings known
The statement added: ‘The FA has also contacted Manchester United regarding a coin-throwing incident. The FA fully expects the club to use all available means to identify and deal with the culprit appropriately and, along with the fan who entered the field of play, look to issue bans on attending future matches.’
