SFA charges Butcher and Jackson over cup melee

Inverness manager Terry Butcher and Dundee United’s assistant manager Darren Jackson have been issued with notices of complaint by the Scottish Football Association.
Terry Butcher (right) has words with Gary Mackay-Steven. Picture: SNSTerry Butcher (right) has words with Gary Mackay-Steven. Picture: SNS
Terry Butcher (right) has words with Gary Mackay-Steven. Picture: SNS

The pair were both sent to the stands during Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final and have now been charged with breaches of rule 203 relating to “failing to behave in a responsible manner”.

Ross Draper scored for Inverness in the last minute of extra time to clinch a 2-1 win, but the match was marred when Nadir Ciftci was sent off near the end of the first half following a melee involving players and staff of both clubs. The trouble was sparked by Inverness captain Richie Foran’s collision with Gary Mackay-Steven and Ciftci has also been charged for the way he reacted towards officials and the Inverness players.

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He has been accused of grabbing a United player by the face and also of seizing hold of assistant referee Gavin Harris’s throat, although United have lodged a claim of wrongful dismissal. The Turkish striker faces a potential 16-match ban if found guilty.

Both Butcher and Jackson were caught up in the drama that followed before being dismissed by referee Kevin Clancy. Both have been issued with notices of complaint under rule 203, which covers “misconduct at a match by failing to behave in a responsible manner as an occupant of the technical area by leaving the technical area in the absence of special circumstances and by acting in an aggressive manner towards players of the opposing team”.

Butcher and Jackson have until 8 November to respond, or face a hearing on 21 November should they wish.

Today, Butcher’s side host Kilmarnock, whose skipper Manuel Pascali insists there is a simple reason why his team has won two successive Scottish Premiership games (against Ross County and Hearts) after a poor start to the season. “Basically not conceding stupid goals,” he said.

“It was the third time in the season we finished with a clean sheet in the league. The first time was against St Johnstone when we drew 0-0. We defended well, and performed okay. Everyone is coming back to fitness and it looks like we are ready to perform in every single match.

“We are on a run now but we have very tough games ahead. We have Inverness away and St Johnstone away next week and they are two of the two toughest grounds to play at. If we lose in Inverness, then we haven’t done anything.

“But I think the game is coming at the right time because we have won two games in a row and we have the confidence back.”

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