Todd escapes ban for van Persie clash
Blackburn captain Andy Todd today escaped a three-match ban following his clash with Arsenal striker Robin van Persie at last Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.
A Football Association disciplinary commission found the charge of violent conduct made against Todd not proven, ending a torrid few days for the centre-back.
Todd had pleaded not guilty to the charge after the incident during Rovers’ 3-0 defeat at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. Van Persie had just scored the Gunners’ final goal when he was accidentally elbowed in the face by Todd.
A statement from the FA read: "At a disciplinary commission hearing today, the charge of violent conduct against Blackburn Rovers' defender Andy Todd was found to be not proven. He will therefore not serve any suspension."
Todd was under scrutiny as the challenge left van Persie with a bloodied mouth and fat lip.
The defender insisted immediately after the match that what happened was “purely accidental”, only for the FA to charge the 30-year-old after their compliance unit had studied video evidence.
Under the FA’s fast-track system, Todd then had until 6pm yesterday to respond to the charge and pleaded his innocence.
