Francis accused of assault, says report

Police are investigating an allegation of common assault made against football manager Trevor Francis, it was reported today.

The Crystal Palace manager is accused of becoming involved in an incident with Alex Kolinko, a substitute goalkeeper from his squad.

Francis is alleged to have committed the offence during a game between Crystal Palace and Bradford City at his club's Selhurst Park home in south London, The Express reported.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We are investigating an allegation of common assault in connection with an incident at Crystal Palace's ground on Tuesday."

He explained police would not be formally interviewing anyone but acting as "mediators" between the two sides in an attempt to resolve the issue.