/ 25 June 2003

English clubs in trouble for dirty play

Birmingham City, Leicester City and West Ham have been charged by the Football Association because of their poor disciplinary records last season.

The clubs have been told by the FA they must cut out dirty play or be fined.

Steve Bruce’s Birmingham side had the worst disciplinary record.

They received 72 cautions, including four sendings-off as they fought to stay in the Premiership.

Aliou Cisse and Robbie Savage both contributed to Birmingham’s poor showing as they finished with 11 and 10 yellow cards respectively.

West Ham, whose season ended with relegation to the First Division, had five dismissals with Ian Pearce sent off twice.

Gerry Taggart was in hot water for Leicester with two red cards and seven yellows while Turkish international Muzzy Izzet notched up 11 cautions. – Sapa-AFP