Villa escape crowd charges

Aston Villa have been told they will not face any charges from the Football Association following crowd problems during their local derby against Birmingham last month.

There were four pitch invasions and one home fan ran the length of the Villa Park pitch to confront Birmingham midfielder Robbie Savage.

But Villa have received a letter from the FA praising them for their handling of the trouble that erupted during the visitors’ 2-0 win.

In the letter to Villa, the FA said: “From the information gathered by the FA it is evident that the safety management operation mounted by Aston Villa and the police was first class.

“In these circumstances, and taking into account the previous good conduct by Villa supporters, the FA has decided not to charge the club under FA rules in respect of crowd misconduct at the match.”

Villa’s safety and operations manager, Graham Hodgetts, said: “It is a big relief.

“We will now meet with the police to see how we can improve next time.”

While Villa will not face a charge for crowd problems, both clubs have been charged with failing to control their players.

Villa striker Dion Dublin, who headbutted Savage, and Birmingham striker Christophe Dugarry, who spat in the direction of Villa midfielder Joey Gudjonsson, have also been charged with misconduct.