FA clear O'Neil over comments

Gary O’Neil will face no action from the Football Association following comments the Portsmouth midfielder made after his team’s defeat at Tottenham.

The 22-year-old was penalised by Uriah Rennie for handball in the penalty area while last month’s Premiership match was level at 1-1 – before Mido converted the spot-kick and Spurs went on to win 3-1.

FA officials have now closed the matter after reviewing the evidence provided by the former England Under-21s international.

A statement from Portsmouth read: “Gary O’Neil today received the news that the Football Association have decided to take no formal disciplinary action in relation to his comments reported in the press following Pompey’s match against Tottenham on December 12.

“Having reviewed the evidence provided by O’Neil, the FA have decided no action is necessary and now consider the matter closed.”

O’Neil’s team-mate Lomana LuaLua admitted a charge of improper conduct over his comments after the defeat.

The 25-year-old, who scored the opener against Spurs, requested a personal hearing which has not yet taken place yet.