Leyton Orient president Francesco Becchetti given six-match ban and fine for kicking assistant manager

Club had claimed it was 'good-natured'

Tom Sheen
Friday 15 January 2016 18:42 GMT
Comments
(YouTube)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Leyton Orient president Francesco Becchetti has been handed a six-match ban for kicking assistant manager Andy Hessenthaler - desipre the club claiming the incident had been "good-natured".

The Italian, who has also been given a £40,000 fine, was seen on TV kicking the former Gillingham stalwart immediately after Orient's 3-2 home win against Portsmouth on Boxing Day.

In the aftermath of the incident (below), Orient claimed that the kick was "part of an ongoing good-natured exchange between the two over the past few weeks".

However, a statement from the Football Association said their independent body had found him guilty of violent conduct.

"Francesco Becchetti will serve a six-match stadium ban after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven, following an independent regulatory commission hearing.

"The suspension has been stayed pending any decision regarding an appeal.

"The Leyton Orient president and club owner admitted his behaviour at the end of the game against Portsmouth on December 26, 2015 amounted to improper conduct, however, he denied it was violent.

"Along with his match-day ban from six first-team matches in approved competitions, Mr Becchetti was also fined £40,000 and warned as to his future conduct."

In a statement on 6 January, Orient said: "In response to the misconduct charge brought by the Football Association, we can confirm that Mr Becchetti, Leyton Orient's president, has admitted improper conduct, but strongly denies violent conduct.

"Mr Becchetti has requested a personal hearing."

They are yet to comment on the verdict.

Additional reporting from PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in