Premiership: Gregory aims to clear Ginola

Aston Villa manager John Gregory is hoping his evidence can help clear David Ginola of a Football Association misconduct charge next Thursday.

The Frenchman was charged after a touch-line confrontation with fourth official Clive Wilkes.

Ginola was unhappy after being sent off in Villa's Premiership clash with Leicester at Villa Park on December 1.

He waved a finger at Wilkes and then tapped him on the side of the head before heading to the dressing rooms.

But Gregory believes video evidence of the incident will aid Ginola, who faces another ban if found guilty, in attempting to clear his name and the Villa chief will lend his full support at the FA hearing in Manchester on January 24.

Gregory said: "He has taken up my offer of help and I'll gladly go with him and give whatever help and evidence that I can.

"He is one of my players and they (the FA) do have video evidence that will clearly defend the player.

"In the (referee's) report, it says that David slapped the fourth official and you have a vision of him slapping a fellow across the face. But when you actually see the video, it is nothing to do with that at all."

Gregory will also be appearing in front of the same commission to answer his own misconduct charge after requesting a personal hearing.

The manager was sent from the dug-out by referee Andy D'Urso during the home game with Liverpool on Boxing Day.