Todd escapes sanction over van Persie clash

BLACKBURN captain Andy Todd yesterday escaped a three-match ban following his clash with Arsenal striker Robin van Persie at last Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.

The FA disciplinary commission found the charge of violent conduct made against Todd not proven, ending a torrid few days for the centre-back.

Todd had pleaded not guilty to the charge after the incident during Rovers’ 3-0 defeat at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. Van Persie had just scored the Gunners’ final goal when he was accidentally elbowed in the face by Todd.