FA clear Spurs over Lampard incident - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

FA clear Spurs over Lampard incident

The Football Association have cleared Tottenham of blame following the FA Cup replay against Chelsea when a fan aimed a punch at Frank Lampard.

Chelsea's quarter-final win at White Hart Lane was overshadowed by an incident after the final whistle when Timothy Smith, 18, ran onto the pitch and swung at Lampard. It led to the FA looking at the security provisions at Spurs and - after club officials also submitted a safety report - the club will not face punishment.

"After reviewing a video of the incident and receiving a full report from Spurs, there will not be any disciplinary action against the club," said an FA spokesman.

The ugly scenes led to calls for extra vigilance to ensure player safety, and the FA described the matter as "totally unacceptable" at the time.

Smith has since been given a three-year ban from football matches after pleading guilty at Haringey Magistrates' Court to encroaching on the White Hart Lane pitch. He is banned for life from White Hart Lane.

Spurs face Chelsea again, on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, two days after their UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg against Sevilla in Spain.

Fans travelling to the Andalusia region have been warned about their behaviour as the clash coincides with the Semana Santa religious festival in Sevilla.

"It is considered extremely disrespectful for tourists to wear T-shirts and shorts on these days," warned Spurs officials on the club website, www.tottenhamhotspur.com.

"Drinking alcohol in the street is strictly prohibited and those that do will receive an immediate 300 fine and possible arrest."

They also warned that Spanish police will have a "zero-tolerance" policy towards visitors who disrespect the festival.

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
What makes Chelsea and Arsenal target Eden Hazard tick?

Hazard warning

What makes Chelsea and Arsenal target Eden Hazard tick?
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon