Football: PFA to outlaw elbow challenge

THE Professional Footballers' Association last night condemned challenges with the elbow, which have caused serious injury to the former England players Peter Beardsley and Gary Mabbutt this season, and announced a four-point plan to have it outlawed.

The PFA, at its annual meeting in Manchester yesterday, demanded heavier punishment for players illegally using their elbows. It also called for posters to be placed in all dressing-rooms to show the effects of such challenges.

The PFA chief executive, Gordon Taylor, said: 'Peter Beardsley was badly injured and Gary Mabbutt nearly lost an eye. We want the use of the elbow to be condemned and outlawed.

'We were influential in bringing in a three-match ban for this type of violent conduct and we believe that penalties should be increased.'

Pat Nevin of Tranmere has succeeded Brian Marwood as PFA chairman, with Manchester United's Brian McClair joining the committee.

Howard Wilkinson, the Leeds United manager, responded to David Rocastle's criticism about being dropped by telling him he has the right to move. ' 'From what I read, though,' Wilkinson said, 'he isn't going to do that. If he wants to talk to me about his future, then he should do it to my face.'

Rocastle complained after being replaced by Gordon Strachan for Leeds' home game against Swindon.

Manchester United's winger, Ryan Giggs, yesterday signed a new five-year contract.