Fowler lands in double trouble

Robbie Fowler is set to be charged with misconduct by the Football Association tomorrow, despite apologising for his controversial goal celebration during Saturday's Merseyside derby.

The England striker was seen by millions on TV kneeling down in front of rival supporters, putting a finger to the side of his nose and apparently sniffing a white line after scoring from the penalty spot.

Fowler's antics in Liverpool's 32 win at Anfield have attracted widespread criticism within the game and yesterday he talked of his "deep regret" over the "great offence" they have caused.

But sources at Lancaster Gate have indicated how seriously the matter is being viewed by the FA and Fowler is facing another misconduct charge.

Fowler is already facing an FA disciplinary hearing on Friday following his bust-up with England team-mate Graeme Le Saux. The FA's initial response to the incident was that they would await the referee's report and video evidence before deciding whether there was a case to answer. But a spokesman confirmed yesterday that they will now consider the incident tomorrow morning.

Fowler issued his apology after the chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, Gordon Taylor had led a wave of condemnation of his behaviour.

In a statement issued through Liverpool FC, Fowler said: "I would like to apologise unequivocally for my first goal celebration after scoring yesterday in the match against Everton.

"Despite my actions being taken in the heat of the moment immediately following the penalty, I realise that they have caused great offence and I deeply regret that."

Fowler, who has been a target for unfounded drug-taking slurs from Everton fans in the past, added: "I have been greatly distressed and hurt over the last few years by the constant allegations levelled against me regarding drug use, which have not only affected me but have been very upsetting to my family as well.

"But as an international player and a public figure, I have responsibilities and a duty to rise above such scurrilous accusations and I accept that my behaviour yesterday was totally wrong.

"I would never do anything intentionally to undermine the work being done to combat the suffering and social problems that drug abuse brings to users and their families or to drug awareness campaigns.

"I would like to say sorry to the Liverpool and Everton fans who attended the derby game and have also apologised to my manager Gerard Houllier and team-mates for my behaviour."

Taylor welcomed Fowler's apology yesterday saying: "He (Fowler) seems to have realised the problem that his goal-scoring celebrations caused and he's apologised for that and I think that should be accepted.

"He's certainly a character. That can cause trouble at times and certainly he's been at the centre of controversy of late.

"Having said that, at times he's done things that are there to be applauded - like the penalty incident at Arsenal where he was quick to say it wasn't a penalty, and his appeal for the dockers.

"Personally, I thought that was a good thing for a young person to make a point about.

"We don't want to stop goal celebrations, but, at the moment, they're becoming a bit too ingenious. I'd rather they (players) concentrated on the game itself rather than making points."

Before Fowler's apology, Taylor had criticised the way Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier handled the post-match press interviews, saying it was wrong to dismiss Fowler's controversial antics as being a harmless joke.

"It's not the sort of celebration you want to see, and it's the sort of thing where the manager should say `Okay, Robbie, you've made your point but don't do it again'."

The Scottish Premier League title race is alive and kicking after St Johnstone somehow resisted almost total Rangers pressure to inflict the leaders' second successive defeat when they beat them 3-1 at McDiarmid Park yesterday.

Portuguese substitute Miguel Simao netted the 73rd-minute winner after Nick Dasovic had headed a Kieran McAnespie freekick back into the Rangers danger zone.

It was enough to send Rangers tumbling to defeat and leave Celtic hovering just six points behind, with one Old Firm game still to play.