Asprilla, Curle to face FA

NEWCASTLE'S Faustino Asprilla and Keith Curle of Manchester City will appear before the English FA on April 30th over their Maine…

NEWCASTLE'S Faustino Asprilla and Keith Curle of Manchester City will appear before the English FA on April 30th over their Maine Road clash.

The Colombian striker and the City skipper were involved in a running battle during the Premiership clash between the clubs on February 24th.

Soon after half time Asprilla, angered by being hauled back as he tried to break into the City area, lashed out with his elbow, catching Curle in the face. The City player went down, although referee Martin Bodenham took no action.

After the final whistle, the pair clashed again, just yards from a linesman, with Asprilla appearing to butt Curle, the referee again taking no action.

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Asprilla was later charged with two counts of misconduct and Curle one by the FA.

Whatever the outcome - and precedent suggests a lengthy ban is likely for Asprilla - there is little chance that they will miss any games this season.

Relegation haunted City play their final fixture at home to Liverpool five days later, while the Magpies face Nottingham Forest away on May 2nd and Spurs at home on May 5th. But both clubs have a 14 day right of appeal against any punishments.