The FA has released an incredible 32-page report to explain their reasoning behind a five-game stadium ban for Paul Ince, after the Blackpool manager launched an attack on a fourth official after being sent to the stands during a match.
Ince was sent to the stands at a Bournemouth game last month for throwing a water bottle in frustration, which accidentally hit a steward. Although he immediately apologised to the steward, he was less than pleased at being sent off, confronting fourth official Mark Pottage in the tunnel.
The FA report includes statements from the match officials and Ince, and it does not paint a good picture of the former Manchester United and Liverpool player. Referee Oliver Langford stated:
“At the end of the game as we left the field of play into the tunnel area as a team of match officials we were confronted by a clearly irate Mr Paul Ince. On confronting us Mr Ince asked why he had been sent to the stand. I explained to Mr Ince the reason why he politely had been asked to leave the technical area. It was then a clearly frustrated Mr Ince said ‘and where’s your busy fucker of a 4th?’
Mark Pottage, the 4th official, was stood behind Mr Ince at this time and said ‘I’m here.’ Mr Ince then turned around and violently shoved Mr Pottage with 2 hands in to the chest. Stewards then quickly stepped in and tried to usher Mr Ince to the dressing room area. As this occurred Mr Ince, being restrained by stewards and players of Blackpool was repeatedly shouting in an aggressive manner ‘I’ll knock you fucking out you cunt’ to Mr Pottage.
Ince admitted pushing Pottage (though he claimed "the push was not aggressive") and admitted saying "I'll knock you fucking out" but denied using the word "cunt".
As well as the five-game stadium ban, Ince was also fined £4,000. Meanwhile, as a now frankly embarrassing protest against the severity of the ban, Blackpool Gazette and local broadcaster Radio Wave will hand out 10,000 Ince masks to supporters attending Blackpool's game against Wigan this weekend.
Via The Telegraph
