WATFORD have declined to comment after being charged by the FA with misconduct, and given 14 days in which to give their observations regarding the mass flare-up at the West Bromwich Albion game.

The Hornets lost the match at Vicarage Road 2-1, with Scott Dobie scoring the winner, following up to convert the rebound from what was a highly debateable penalty decision.

The flare-up after the strike resulted in Filippo Galli and West Brom's Bob Taylor being booked, but match referee Clive Wilkes has reported both sides for the goalmouth melee.

Both clubs have 14 days to appeal, with Albion already indicating they will challenge the allegations.

West Brom chief executive John Wile was quoted in their local newspaper, saying: "We have watched the video of the incident several times, and it clearly shows the player who caused the problems was wearing a Watford shirt."

Watford's chief executive Tim Shaw will consult with Luca Vialli over the weekend.

The flare-up seems to have been sparked by a collision involving Micah Hyde as he went to retrieve the ball. An Albion player was aggrieved and started to shout the odds, and subsequently some pushing took place involving two Watford players.

"We will not be saying anything until after we have reviewed the video and discussed the incident," said Shaw this week.

If found guilty, Watford will face a fine.

October 11, 2001 19:28

By Oliver Phillips