FA to probe punching at cup tie

Last updated : 08 January 2011 By BBC Sport

The Football Association is expected to probe the punching of a Stevenage player by a fan in the aftermath of the club's 3-1 FA Cup win over Newcastle.Defender Scott Laird was knocked to the ground after the final whistle as the League Two side celebrated their win.

"It's something that should be flagged up in our meeting on Monday," said an FA spokesman.

"It might be that there was a stadium advisor at the game who'll be able to advise us on that."

Stevenage manager Graham Westley was disappointed that the club's most famous victory had ended in such a manner.

"Scott Laird was stood celebrating with the fans and a fan just came over and smashed him from the side," said Westley. "He went to the ground and it is a shame for the afternoon to end in that way.

"He is a bit bewildered. He [the fan] gave him a right-hander, just smashed him across the cheek and knocked him to the ground."

It was not clear which team the fan supported, while Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said he was not aware of the incident.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport