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.”
