Gerrard could face ban for 3 matches

autumn319 · December 28, 2005

Gerrard could face FA ban for three matches

By Christopher Davies (Filed: 28/12/2005)

Steven Gerrard faces the prospect of a three-game suspension if the Football Association charge him and he is found guilty of violent behaviour following the melee during Liverpool's 2-0 defeat of Newcastle at Anfield.

Lee Bowyer was sent off after a challenge on Xabi Alonso while Peter Crouch was cautioned for pushing the Newcastle midfielder. As players from both teams jostled each other Gerrard appeared to put his hands around Alan Shearer's neck. Guidelines to referees say that though a push in the chest can be a caution, putting hands on an opponent's face or neck is a red-card offence.

The FA will today study referee Mark Halsey's report, which is unlikely to confirm that he saw and dealt with the Gerrard incident at the time. This would leave the Liverpool midfielder open to a charge from the FA, who will review a video of what happened at Anfield.

FA rules for incidents not seen by the referee stipulate any charge will be issued on the second working day and the case heard by the end of the week. Gerrard would have to be charged by tomorrow with the case heard on Friday.

Chili Palmer · December 28, 2005

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