FA Latest. re Chelmsford and Braintree

[The Town Crier]

 

 

I borrowed this from the Chelmsford web site, but don't tell Sean. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

 

 

Meanwhile, Chelmsford City have issued a statement relating to yesterday's series of hearings at Soho Square, which reads as follows:

 

1. Today, the 14th March 2006, the Football Association dealt with the incidents arising out of the abandoned Essex cup game between Chelmsford City F.C. and Braintree Town on the 30th January 2006. The hearings took place at F.A. headquarters in Soho Square in central London before a distinguished disciplinary commission.

 

2. Chelmsford City's club and players were represented by a barrister and solicitor at the hearings which were heard simultaneously with those dealing with the charges faced by Braintree Town arising out of the same incident.

 

3. Craig Edwards faced a charge of violent conduct arising out of a pushing incident with a Braintree player, Robbie Martin. The charge was found proved. Mr Martin, who faced the same charge but denied it and called witnesses to support his plea, was convicted after a hearing where his witnesses gave evidence.

 

4. Chelmsford player, left back Michael Haswell, also pleaded not guilty to an offence of violent conduct and his plea was upheld with his acquittal following the commission hearing evidence from Haswell and Chelmsford manager Craig Edwards.

 

5. Braintree Town further denied another charge of failing to control its players and staff and again called witnesses in support of their defence. Yet again, after a hearing, they were convicted. This was a charge that Chelmsford had admitted at a much earlier date and, represented by their barrister, mitigated on the day. The hearing was attended by the entire Chelmsford board.

 

6. It is hoped that this hearing and the findings reached bring to an end the events stemming from the abandoned game, with a great deal of vindication being felt by the Chelmsford Board for the way the matter was dealt with and the findings reached on the day.

[GazzaBTFC]

Basically, put your hands up, say "it was a fair cop, sorry" and put the incident behind you. Plead "not guilty m'laud and society is to blame" and your done, bang to rights....sort of.

[The Town Crier]

 

 

 

Forgot to add, Chelmsford Fined £1500 and Braintree £2000

[Simon BTFC]

So by employing a barrister who, presumbaly told them to plead guilty, they saved £500. Wonder how much barristers charge these days <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

 

Not entirely sure how they can feel "vindicated" - they pleaded guilty, and their manager is one of two individuals singled out for censure. Hardly vindication, more escaping with a less serious punishment than might otherwise have been the case.

[Keith.P]

would assume mr edwards and robbie martin will receive independent fines and maybe a ban of a couple of games <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />

[Rick the Dick]

Quote:

GazzaBTFC said:
"not guilty m'laud and society is to blame"

Agreed. We'll be charging them too. Classic Python if my memory serves me well.

Strange for Chelmsford to make point no. 6 in original post;- "It is hoped that this hearing and the findings reached bring to an end the events stemming from the abandoned game"

It's not over 'till the Esex FA decide what they want to do (later to-day?) and may even drag on then if EFA want a replay and Braintree don't.

Throw them both out and let Thurrock play Grays in another Semi. I know it's close to seasons end but they'd had to have coped if they'd won their quarter finals. Thurrock are mid table and Grays look unlikely to catch the leading pack anyway. May add a little spice to their seasons.

[Simon BTFC]

Quote:

Keith.P said:
would assume mr edwards and robbie martin will receive independent fines and maybe a ban of a couple of games <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />

One would imagine that Martin will get punished as though he had been sent off for violent conduct in a match. Edwards would also be likely to get a touchline ban. Not a good time to be at a club where the perimeter fence is miles from the pitch <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />