Henchoz’s fate over spitting claims rests on video evidence
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock claimed Swiss star Henchoz spat at him at the end of last night's Worthington Cup semi-final second-leg clash at Anfield which the Merseysiders won 3-2 on aggregate.
Henchoz and his manager Gerard Houllier insist the player spat on the ground, not at the controversial Blades manager.
It is believed that referee Wiley did not see the incident and has not included it in his report.
An FA spokesman said: "We will have to wait for that report and confirmation in writing of what the referee saw.
"But if he didn't see it, we will then want to see video evidence before deciding whether there is a case to answer. That is all we will do at this stage."
If the referee does leave out any reference to the angry exchanges, in which Liverpool coach Sammy Lee had to pull Henchoz away from the rumpus, it leaves the way open for the FA to act.
But Warnock may also find himself in trouble if the FA scrutinise the video.
Warnock was restrained by Lee while shouting abuse at Henchoz and demonstrating to Jamie Carragher that he believed he was spat at.
The spokesman said: "There are charges which cover threatening behaviour, abusive and insulting language."
Henchoz has strenuously denied that he spat at Warnock, saying: "I did spit but it was on the ground and not at him. That's it. I definitely did not spit in his direction.
"I was happy that we had won the game and I told him that, but I insist that I did not spit at him."
Houllier said: "I saw the incident, Stephane Henchoz spat on the ground. He was not happy because he knew Neil had been winding up the players.
"He didn't spit in his direction, but only on the floor. I can't see there being any fall-out from the FA, that would be stupid. If they do I hope they get involved with what Neil said because I heard some things when I was there. You are not surprised by Neil's allegation, are you?"
But Warnock claimed: "Sammy Lee and Henchoz know what went off, I'm sure there will be a reason for spitting on the floor.
"But he was the only one. All the other Liverpool players were fantastic to us, Steven Gerrard was great, but Sammy Lee was straight on because he saw it."
Houllier had been angered by Warnock's antics in both legs, and the winding-up and goading from the Bramall Lane camp.
There had been taunts about the relative costs of both sides and accusations that Liverpool players refused to swap shirts after the first leg.
Houllier said: "Don't get me wrong, Neil is doing a good job and has put together a good team. What I don't like is when he says 'my team is worth £600,000 and Liverpool's cost £100million'. But don't forget we recouped more than half of that.
"We won five trophies, were twice in Champions League, and if you were in my position you would defend my team and club.
"You can't say his turnover is £2.6million, and that's the salary of one of our players. That's lack of respect and he doesn't need to do that. Pool aim for further success on Sunday in the FA Cup at Crystal Palace and next Wednesday against Arsenal.
Gerrard said: "We've had a lot of stick but it's up to us to go and prove the critics wrong.
"We're in one final now and hopefully we can get into a couple more and get a Champions League place. That's our main aim.
"The Worthington semi-final was tough. United were a great team over both legs and they deserve credit."
He added: "I know a lot was said before the game but that's part of the banter of cup ties. I hope they get promotion now they're a good team." Houllier, now chasing his sixth trophy at the club, believes the bad times are over. He said: "Another final is a good reward at the end of a poor spell for the club.
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