BLACKPOOL MANAGER PAUL Ince called a fourth official a “c**t” and threatened to knock him out during a tunnel confrontation last month.
Ince was hit with a five-match stadium ban for his violent conduct towards Mark Pottage after Blackpool’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
Ince had earlier been sent to the stands for throwing a bottle which bounced into the crowd and accidentally hit a female steward.
“At the end of the game as we left the field of play into the tunnel area as a team of match officials we were confronted by a clearly irate Mr Paul Ince”, referee Oliver Langford told the FA disciplinary panel.
On confronting us Mr Ince asked why he had been sent to the stand. I explained to Mr Ince the reason why he politely had been asked to leave the technical area.It was then a clearly frustrated Mr Ince said ‘and where’s your busy fucker of a 4th?’ Mark Pottage, the 4th official, was stood behind Mr Ince at this time and said ‘I’m here.’
Mr Ince then turned around and violently shoved Mr Pottage with 2 hands in to the chest.
Stewards then quickly stepped in and tried to usher Mr Ince to the dressing room area. As this occurred Mr Ince, being restrained by stewards and players of Blackpool was repeatedly shouting in an aggressive manner ‘I’ll knock you fucking out you cunt’ to Mr Pottage.
Ince, who apologised unreservedly, for the incident denies using the word “c**t” which appears no fewer than 15 times in the FA’s reasoned decision.
“As I was being escorted by the stewards, I shouted a number of words in the direction of the fourth official. I was angry and whilst I know I will not have been pleasant, I can categorically deny using the word ‘cunt’ – it is not a word I have ever used no matter what the incident.”
Glad TJV got the stage win for van Hooydonck. You could see what it meant to Vingegaard at the end.
Although Vingo is crazy good, would love to see Kuss win the Vuelta. And I mean WIN it and not handed it by team orders. Although not sure what team orders are for TJV.
@Kevin Dillon: Angliru tomorrow will reveal all. Looks like they’re going with a strategy of having Vingegaard attack and force the others to decide between trying to follow him (and ideally have Kuss and Roglic sit on their wheel) or wait behind with Kuss. Apparently van Hooydonck is awake and doing well which is great news in what has been a horrific year in the peloton.
I would also love to see Kuss win it, and as you say not be handed it which jumbo could possibly do. To be fair though their best option is letting Jonas attack and see if Kuss can just sit on whoever tries to follow and if he ends up in red at the end brilliant. Putting all their eggs in one basket and using up Jonas and Roglic to be domestique for Kuss would be dangerous even though he’s in red and deservedly so but not sure he would be able to respond to attack after attack. Cracking race and fantastic tactics and options from JV as usual.
@sean murphy: 100% on jumbo’s tactics.ostly always get them right.