JOE COLE COULD FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES

Last updated : 21 April 2003 By editor

This from Soccernet:

‘Greater Manchester Police have refused to rule out taking criminal proceedings following reports of 'a number of incidents' in the tunnel after the game.

And the FA say they will await the referee's report before considering further action.

The FA issued a statement:

'Obviously we must wait for all the match officials' reports and any additional reports which may or may not be forwarded to the FA'.

A police spokesman said that 21-year-old Cole was seen 'apparently punching' French defender Bernard Mendy and 'kicking out and damaging the tunnel'.

Cole's team-mate Rufus Brevett is also under investigation over claims he was involved in an altercation with a police officer.

Superintendent Alan Greene said: 'I will be forwarding a report to the FA about the behaviour of some of the West Ham players and I will await their response.'