FA will use Hartson case in forming QPR charge
The FA will use John Hartson’s assault on Eyal Berkovic eight years ago as the precedent to bring charges against Queens Park Rangers after their brawl with the China Olympic team.
Rangers face censure from the governing body after a China player suffered a fractured jaw as the friendly at the club’s Harlington training ground descended into chaos and was abandoned last week. Soho Square officials say that they will look at the case of Hartson, who was suspended and fined £20,000 for a training ground altercation with Berkovic in 1998 caught on a fan’s video camera. Hartson kicked Berkovic in the head.
The FA is waiting until police conclude their investigation over possible criminal charges against QPR, after the club’s decision to suspend Richard Hill, the coach, in the wake of his arrest last weekend. QPR also face an outstanding charge of failing to control their players during an FA Cup defeat by Luton Town last month.
