Leeds star Smith to attend FA hearing

Leeds United's Alan Smith is to attend a hearing at FA headquarters today charged with improper conduct after throwing a plastic…

Leeds United's Alan Smith is to attend a hearing at FA headquarters today charged with improper conduct after throwing a plastic bottle into the crowd during the 3-2 League Cup defeat by Manchester United at Elland Road on October 28th.

Smith was initially arrested by West Yorkshire police over the incident and was sent home from Sven-Goran Eriksson's England squad for the friendly against Denmark in November. But he was not charged with a criminal offence, and the investigation was dropped.

However, the FA consider his action serious and the length of any ban will be determined by whether the panel deem there was violent intent in Smith's reaction.

Smith was quick to voice his contrition at the time, apologising if he "offended any Leeds fans" and speaking to the family of the supporter he had struck.