Wise escapes punishment

Last updated : 04 May 2005 By Neil Andrews
Dennis Wise
Wise: Innocent
Dennis Wise will not be punished by the Football Assocation after beeing charged with improper conduct, it was decided yesterday.

The player-manager, who had asked for a personal hearing, successfully argued his case relating to an incident that occured at Ninian Park during The Lions clash against Cardiff City in February.

Wise was originally charged after throwing a water bottle on the floor which accidentally hit the fourth official after bouncing back up. And even though the manager was sent to the stands by the referee at the time, FA officials decided there was no intent in the actions.

Professional Footballers' Association deputy chief executive Mick McGuire, who represented Wise at the hearing, was pleased with the outcome. "The committee accepted that it was simply an accident. The FA took on board witness statements including officials from Cardiff.

"The commission took a common sense view, it's an emotive situation for managers and coaches, and they have to vent their frustrations.

"But Dennis did not reach a level of impropriety, it was a simple accident. The water bottle was thrown on the ground but the action was not deemed reckless."