Barry Hayles has pulled out of his FA disciplinary hearing after
deciding to plead guilty to the first of his misconduct charges.
Hayles was set to defend the misconduct charge, which resulted from a clash
with West Ham defender Hayden Foxe at Upton Park last November. But now
he has changed his mind and a new date must be set.
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Fulham striker Barry Hayles hoping to avoid
suspension
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A club spokesman said: "The incident has been reviewed by Barry, who
subsequently decided to change his original plea to that of guilty with
mitigating circumstances."
Fulham are now waiting to hear the FA's response, and are hoping that Hayles's
suspension will not begin until after they have played Liverpool on Saturday.
Jean Tigana's side also face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next week,(Ed -
for which match the midfielder Sylvain Legwinski will be suspended for having
reached 5 yellows.)and West Brom in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup the
following weekend - and are desperate to have Hayles available for both
matches.
Despite today's decision, 29-year-old Hayles is expected to vigorously defend
a second misconduct charge, relating to a home match against Everton in
December. He is accused of setting off a 20-man brawl at Craven Cottage
following an incident with Everton's David Weir.
(Ed - Bazza has now gone 9 games without a yellow card but according to
opta stats is still the biggest fouler in the Premiership. For all his fouls
he has only been given 4 yellow cards, a beginner in comparison to players
like Robbie Savage with 11 cards, Patrick Vieira with 8 or Danny Mills with
7. You could be forgiven for wondering that if so many fouls don't warranted
a yellow card are they marginal decisions and should Bazza have had more
of the benefit of doubt, particularly as a striker.)