Horse escapes with a fine

Last updated : 17 August 2002 By Brian Cartlidge

Copyright © 2002
Horsfield was charged following an off-the-ball incident involving Millwall's Matt Lawrence on April 18th during the First Division play-off semi-final first leg at St. Andrew's that was later reported by the FA's match assessor.

Horsfield admitted to a lesser disciplinary charge and accepted that his actions were improper and was fined £3,000 and warned as to his future conduct.

A spokesman for Blues told the clubs official website: "We are delighted with the outcome of the hearing and the fact that Geoff will not miss the start of our first Premiership campaign.

"The FA Disciplinary Committee gave us a very fair hearing and we would like to thank them for considering all the circumstances before making their decision.

Manager Steve Bruce will welcome this news because he is already without Paul Devlin, suspended for the first three games following his sending off in the friendly game at Livingston and Robbie Savage, who will be missing for Blues' first two Premiership games following a three-game ban he picked up at the tail-end of last season which is carried over into the new campaign.