French Franck Avoids Ban

Last updated : 17 November 2003 By Holgate

Franck Queudrue has been cleared of violent behaviour in the Premiership clash with Southampton in September. Thus he will be available to play for Boro at home to Liverpool on Saturday.

The Frenchman was charged after an incident involving Saints striker Kevin Phillips that ended with the former Sunderland star being shown the red card.

Phillips was dismissed for lashing out at Queudrue but video evidence appeared to show that the Boro player had caught the Saints star from behind as he shepherded the ball out of play.

However, an independent disciplinary commission hearing in Manchester has cleared Queudrue.

"A disciplinary commission held today was of the opinion that the charge of violent behaviour against Franck Queudrue could not be proven," said a Football Association spokesman.