Leeds join Cardiff in FA dock

THE INVESTIGATION into crowd violence at Ninian Park took a bizarre twist last night when it emerged that Leeds United could be charged along with Cardiff as a result of the behaviour of supporters at last weekend's controversial FA Cup tie.

A meeting will be held in London this afternoon between the Football Associations of England and Wales to decide what charges will be brought in the wake of the disgraceful scenes in Cardiff.

The Second Division club are expected to face severe disciplinary action after several Leeds players were hit by missiles thrown from the crowd and also attacked when supporters invaded the pitch at the final whistle to celebrate Cardiff's shock third-round win.

While Cardiff have borne the brunt of condemnation, the FAW have spent the week gathering evidence which could well recommend to the English FA that Leeds are also charged in relation to the behaviour of their own supporters.

Cardiff chairman Sam Hammam was pelted with various missiles as he walked in front of Leeds supporters during his now infamous parade around the pitch.

Leeds, however, were surprised to learn that they could be in trouble themselves and will strongly challenge any such action.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale said: "I thought our supporters behaved very well and were restrained considering the intimidating circumstances.

"We have offered to help the investigation since it began, but there has never been any suggestion made to us whatsoever that we could be charged ourselves."

FAW general secretary David Collins said: "Decisions on whether to charge either club with misconduct will be taken on Friday following our full investigation.

"If we decide to charge Cardiff City then that solely becomes an FA of Wales matter and the commission will comprise FAW members only. Anything involving Leeds will be solely handled by the English FA."

The FA will meet next week to discuss the international future of Leeds United defender Jonathan Woodgate.

Senior officials at the FA are keen to address the issue and have told Leeds that a decision on whether or not Woodgate's international ban is to be lifted will be made as soon as possible.

Both Woodgate and Lee Bowyer were suspended from England selection until the conclusion of their trial at Hull Crown Court.

The ban on Bowyer was immediately lifted after the midfield player was cleared of all charges last month, although the FA postponed their decision on Woodgate when he was convicted of affray.

The centre-back is completing 100 hours of community service and will not be considered for Sven Goran Eriksson's squad until this punishment has been served.

He has four weeks of community service to serve, which means he would not be picked for England's international friendly in Holland on February 13.

Woodgate will be hoping to make Eriksson's squad for their game against Italy at Elland Road on March 27, however, although it is understood the FA are finding it hard to decide what to do.

While there are no doubts Woodgate has learned some harsh lessons from events of the last two years, the FA are concerned about the moral issues involved in making available someone with a criminal conviction to his name.

Bowyer's case is complicated by the fact that he has still to face a misconduct charge and could be suspended for six games.

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