Soccer: Brown backs Hendry over elbowing

Scotland manager Craig Brown has insisted Colin Hendry should not be punished for the elbowing incident that ended with a San Marino player being taken to hospital.

The Bolton defender was seen to elbow substitute Nicola Albani in the throat in Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier, just seconds after the San Marino man had taken to the field.

But Brown said: "I do not feel inclined to have disciplinary action instigated. I would like to play down the whole incident."

Brown said he was satisfied having watched a video of the game that there was no malice in Hendry's intentions.

He added: "He did try to free himself legitimately. He used his elbow - there's no denying it - but he's asked me to apologise on his behalf for any injuries he may have sustained.

"Colin Hendry has said he will make a statement later today after training at Bolton."