Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng and Birmingham City striker Geoff
Horsfield have been cleared to start the new season after escaping with fines at
Football Association disciplinary hearings today.
Boateng, a summer signing from Aston Villa, had been charged after throwing a boot
into the crowd during a game between his former club and Leicester City on April 20.
Horsfield, meanwhile, was charged following an off-the-ball incident on April 18 during the First Division play-off semi-final first leg against Millwall.
The disciplinary commission were satisfied that Horsfield was not guilty of
the more serious charge against him of violent behaviour following an
off-the-ball incident involving Millwall's Matt Lawrence at St Andrews.
However, he admitted a lesser catch-all disciplinary charge, with a
statement adding: 'It was accepted by the player that his actions were deemed
improper. He has been fined £3,000 and warned as to his future conduct.'
Birmingham defender Darren Purse has settled his future with the Premiership
club by signing a new three-year deal.
The former captain, who was stripped of the armband after refusing to discuss
a new deal during last season, also has an option for a fourth year on the new
contract which he signed today.
'I am looking forward to the next three years, which should be among the best
of my career at Birmingham in the Premier League,' said Purse.
- NEWS
