U21 duo could face longer bans

Tom Ince and Steven Caulker could see their UEFA bans increased at an appeal hearing on Friday.

Last Updated: 14/02/13 at 20:12 Post Comment

Steven Caulker: Punished for incident at the end of England U21 play-off

Steven Caulker: Punished for incident at the end of England U21 play-off

The England U21 duo were handed suspensions for incidents that happened at the end of the side's play-off game against Serbia in October.

Ince was banned for one match while Caulker was suspended for two following the altercation, which led to host country Serbia being punished for racist abuse and violent behaviour.

The FA appealed on behalf of the pair but UEFA has planned a counter-appeal requesting for punishments handed out to both England and Serbia to be increased.

Tottenham defender Caulker and Blackpool winger Ince will appear at UEFA headquarters in Nyon on Friday, accompanied by England U21 manager Stuart Pearce and two FA legal representatives.

Caulker and Ince, together with four Serbian players and two coaches, were banned after England's 1-0 win in Krusevac, a victory that ensured Pearce's men qualified for this year's finals in Israel.

Racist chants from Serbian fans towards England players followed the brawl and Serbia were ordered by UEFA's disciplinary panel to play their next competitive U21 game behind closed doors, as well as imposing a £65,000 fine.

Following the initial announcement of the bans, FA general secretary Alex Horne said: "It is the FA's vehement belief that its players and staff acted correctly in the face of provocation, including racist abuse and missiles being thrown.

"We are therefore surprised to see that two of our players have been given suspensions."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Reports: Pulis departs Stoke

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Hammers 'agree' Carroll deal

West Ham have reportedly agreed a fee with Liverpool to sign striker Andy Carroll on a permanent basis.

Transfer news: Carlton Cole confirms West Ham departure

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has confirmed he is leaving Upton Park after seven years with the club.

Transfer news: West Ham sign Romania captain Razvan Rat on free transfer

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Romania captain Razvan Rat on a free transfer.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved