Emre cleared of allegations
19 Mar 2007 - 17:54:06
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- Emre cleared of allegations
Newcastle United midfielder Emre has been cleared of racial abuse allegations by the Football Association.
The Turkey international, who was charged with using racially-aggravated language during the match against Everton in December, has been found not guilty by a disciplinary commission hearing.
"At a disciplinary commission hearing, a charge against Newcastle United midfielder Belozoglu Emre was judged to be not proved.
"In its decision, the commission stated that 'having heard all the evidence presented, and having regard to the standard of proof agreed with both The FA and Newcastle United, we were not satisfied that the charge was proved.'"
Emre had denied the original charge and also subsequent claims from Watford's Al Bangura that he also used racist language in a match against the Hornets in mid-December.
Earlier in the month, Newcastle had released a statement following a series of newspaper stories concerning Emre's on-pitch behaviour.
The statement read: "In recent weeks we have become increasingly concerned about articles appearing in various national newspapers concerning Emre.
"Those articles have made various inaccurate and unfair comments on the case, and have ignored the basic principle that any person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.
"It is the club's opinion that the content in these articles is highly prejudicial and seriously reduces the chances of the player receiving a fair hearing when he finally makes a personal response to the charge brought against him by the Football Association.
"Both the club and player have genuine worries that a trial through the media is effectively being conducted long before the actual hearing will take place."