Cottager Cole ban doubled

FULHAM’S season was plunged into further crisis yesterday when the FA found Andy Cole guilty of two charges of bringing the game into disrepute and doubled his ban from three to six matches.

Cole, one of two Fulham players sent off in last month’s Premiership tie with West Brom, was dismissed for throwing punches after clashing with Baggies midfielder Neil Clement.

The former England striker has already served a three-match ban but attended a disciplinary hearing at FA headquarters yesterday and was found guilty of using abusive language to a match official and violent conduct.