Graham opens his defence

Phil Shaw
Sunday 09 July 1995 23:02 BST
Comments

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.

Football

PHIL SHAW

George Graham, dismissed as Arsenal manager in February after allegations that he accepted transfer "bungs", today begins the attempt to clear his name before a Association disciplinary commission.

Graham faces a misconduct charge relating to sums totalling pounds 425,000 that he was given by a Norwegian agent, Rune Hauge, in connection with the transfers of John Jensen and Pal Lydersen to Arsenal. The former Scottish international has always maintained that the so-called backhanders were unsolicited gifts, and points out that he handed the money back with interest.

After months of speculation, Arsenal sacked Graham in response to the damaging findings of a Premier League commission of inquiry. His solicitor described the three-man team as a "kangaroo court". Since then, during which time Graham was strongly linked with Manchester City's managerial vacancy, he has steadfastly maintained his innocence and now looks forward to putting his side of the story.

"Obviously I am confident that I will get the right result, otherwise I would never have pushed things this far and allowed things to drag on for so long," Graham told a Sunday newspaper.

The hearing, which is expected to last for at least three days, may not produce an outcome this week.

Even if it goes against him, Graham is likely to appeal, and has said that he would consider going to the European Court of Human Rights. The matter is further complicated by his claim against Arsenal for unfair dismissal.

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