Hartlepool manager handed touchline ban

Hartlepool United manager, Craig Hignett has been given a two-game touchline ban.

Hignett was sent to a disciplinary hearing at Wembley after being charged with two counts of misconduct in their 0-2 home defeat to Dover Athletic in September.

The Pools boss was sent to the dug-out by referee Joseph Johnson after a controversial decision not to award Gime Toure a penalty in the second half.

The charge falls under The FA’s E3 Rule, which deems an improper conduct charge of any abusive behaviour, violent conduct, serious foul play or indecent words.

Hignett is believed to admitted to the charges, but was in strong disagreement with the series of events that unfolded, claiming the language that was reported by the referee and his officials as untrue.

A statement released by the club confirmed: “As part of the charge brought against Craig, it had been suggested by the officials that he used language which questioned their integrity and was threatening in nature.

“During what was a very difficult afternoon for Craig, he admitted to the panel that he had said things to the Referee and Fourth Official out of frustration, for which he apologised – but he vehemently denied the nature of his words as put forward by the officials.

“We are pleased that the panel found in the Club’s favour on the issue and, having accepted the misconduct charge surrounding his actual words, Craig will now begin a touchline ban.”

The ban will now mean he misses Pools’ games against Stockport County and Aldershot Town.

Investigations are still being carried out from the game, after both clubs gave their version of events following accusations of racist behaviour towards a Dover Athletic player after celebrating infront of the Neale Cooper Stand.