Hammers launch appeal

WEST HAM duo Joe Cole and Rufus Brevett are “likely to appeal” against a FA misconduct charge for incidents during and after the match at Bolton on April 19.

Cole was charged with improper conduct for his involvement in the mass confrontation on the pitch and for confronting the fourth official on leaving the field of play.

Brevett was charged with three counts of improper conduct for his involvement in the mass confrontation, for appearing to strike Kevin Nolan, and for allegedly barging deliberately into a police officer on leaving the pitch.

Cole and Brevett have 14 days in which to respond to the charges but heard last month they won't face criminal charges over the incidents.

West Ham's Ian Pearce was sent off by ref Uriah Rennie for a foul on Pierre-Yves Andre in the stormy encounter and tempers later flared after the final whistle.

There was a melee in the centre circle and the trouble continued in the tunnel as the players left the field. West Ham lost the game 1-0 the only loss in their last 11 games in the Premiership.