Blues & Villa Off The Hook

Last updated : 15 December 2004 By Brian Cartlidge

The incident occurred when Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, obviously tired of chasing shadows all afternoon, sat on the ball halfway into the Blues half near the touchline.

Blues midfielder Damien Johnson tried to kick the ball from underneath him to which the Villa midfielder reacted.

Players from both sides were then involved in what looked nothing more than a petty squabble, lets not forget this was a highly charged local derby, and when the whole incident had died down Johnson was booked.

Villa skipper Olof Mellberg, who had run all of fifty yards down the pitch to get involved, was also cautioned by the match official.

Now, having studied video evidence of the incident and having consulted with match referee Mr Dunn the FA have decided that no further action will be taken against either club.