FA deliver Copsewood verdicts

Hinckley AFC can today confirm that the club has now received the disciplinary verdicts from the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA in relation to the abandoned fixture against Coventry Copsewood on Saturday 23rd April.
After much speculation leading up to the eventual hearing results, the allegation of improper conduct (including foul and abusive language) of Hinckley AFC Manager, Carl Abbott, towards a match official was unproven. This was also found not to be a contributing or influential factor in the eventual match abandonment.
Despite the positive outcome in relation to Abbott’s case, the club has been charged on account of failure to ensure players and supporters conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. This charge relates to four players being sent off during the fixture and the encroachment of a supporter onto the field of play.
While this charge is standard practice in light of four sending offs, this was cleared as not being a contributing factor in the abandonment of the match.
The latter part of this charge relating to supporter encroachment is, however, a great concern. As a club, all officials and supporters have responsibilities to behave in accordance with ground regulations that prohibit any such encroachment, and it is a disappointment after a great season of support home and away that this matter has arisen. A repeat of such a matter would be likely to be dealt with extremely seriously.
As a result, the club has received a combined fine of £160 for the above.
The final outcome relates to the conduct of Hinckley AFC player Luke Richards, who has been found guilty of improper conduct towards a match official. While his actions on the day deservedly warranted a red card, the actions of the player were also proven as the cause for the eventual abandonment of the match.
The result of this hearing has seen Richards receive a 182 day ban from all football activities as of 5th May 2016, plus a fine.
In addition to these items, the club have also received the outcome of an historical case of failure to ensure spectators conducted themselves in an orderly fashion from the Pilkington XXX game on 22nd March. This resulted in a further £50 fine.
The club’s own internal investigation is due to report to the Board of Directors on 6th June, following which further comments may be made.
Hinckley AFC do, however, remind all board members, staff, volunteers, players and supporters of the important role they play in representing our football club as we approach the 2016-17 season with great optimism.