FA inquiry into Leeds trouble - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

FA inquiry into Leeds trouble

The Football Association will launch a full-scale investigation into Saturday's pitch invasion by Leeds fans at Elland Road.

Several hundred supporters spilled on to the pitch and forced a 30-minute delay after a late Ipswich equaliser all but sealed Leeds' relegation to Coca-Cola League One.

But FA chiefs confirmed it "was highly unlikely" the Yorkshire club would be punished with a points deduction at the start of next season.

FA spokesman Mark Hooper said: "In the first instance it's a criminal offence to encroach on the pitch and we will be liaising with the police on that matter.

"We will be making various enquiries. We will wait to see the reports from our crowd observers and the referee's match report and will also be seeking observations from the club as to what happened.

"We will work with the relevant authorities and see if the police are taking any action.

"It's too early to say what action the FA would find appropriate, but it would be very unusual for that to be a points deduction.

"It's more likely any individual found guilty of an offence will be banned and we'd make sure the club is taking the right steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."

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