Football: FA charges Cantona over 'spitting'

ERIC CANTONA has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following accusations that he spat at supporters and he runs the risk of another suspension keeping him out of crucial games in Manchester United's challenge for the championship.

The French international who begins a two-match ban this weekend for reaching 21 disciplinary points, provoked furious protests from fans of Leeds United, his former club, after last month's Elland Road game. Supporters made complaints to the FA but it was a statement from the West Yorkshire Police that persuaded the authority to make the charge.

It is the first time Cantona has been in trouble in this country although the pounds 1m striker whose goals have brought a new dimension to United's season is no stranger to controversy. A three-month ban imposed by the French FA last year caused him to leave his homeland and come to England.

Cantona has 14 days to ask for a personal hearing. If found guilty the FA is more likely to decide on a fine. When Arsenal's Ian Wright was carpeted last season for a similar offence at Oldham he was docked pounds 1,500.

Brian Clough was as good as his word yesterday when he paid pounds 400,000 for a new striker though whether his critics among the Nottingham Forest supporters had Coventry's Robert Rosario in mind when they complained about the failure to sign a new goalscorer is open to debate.

Despite his physical attributes the 6ft 3in Rosario, who goes straight into the side for tonight's home game with Crystal Palace, has never been a prolific marksman. Just four goals in 30 games this season.

Clough's promise of a new purchase was his answer to complaints about his transfer dealings aired at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders this week.

Another striker, Chelsea's Graham Stuart, has criticised Chelsea's decision to disclose his contract demands in the programme for Monday's game with Arsenal. Stuart scored the late winner at Stamford Bridge but afterwards accused Chelsea of acting unprofessionally.

Without naming the player Colin Hutchinson, the club's managing director, used the negotiations to illustrate how players' requirements have escalated.

He wrote: 'The basic package - without kicking a ball - he is seeking is pounds 4,000 a week. On top of that he is looking for lump sums for international and B caps, scoring goals, Chelsea qualifying for Europe, a car, relocation expenses and a percentage of any future transfer fee. And to cap all that he would want a new contract and improvement on his pounds 200,000-plus- a-year basic should he win his first full international cap]'

Stuart admitted he is the player concerned and said: 'I am disappointed about the piece but if that is how they want to conduct their business then that is up to them.

'I would like to think the club would be a little bit more professional than that.

'As far as I am concerend we are still talking about a new contract and I've never said anything other than that I want to be involved in the new era at Chelsea.'

ITV will have live coverage of England's three games - against the United States, Brazil and Germany - in the US Cup in America this summer.

However, the tour seems certain to bring further club v country conflict with the England manager, Graham Taylor, insisting that his first-choice players are made available.

Paul Davis is set to make his first appearance of the season for Arsenal at Norwich tonight as his manager, George Graham, tries to cope with a mounting injury list.

(Photograph omitted)