O'Leary may face second FA charge

David O'Leary has escaped police action after running on to the pitch following Aston Villa's 1-0 victory over Birmingham.

"We have liaised with the FA and they are looking into it independently," said West Midlands police. "We are not looking into any criminal conduct."

O'Leary has instead been warned over his actions by the FA, who said the Villa manager had "been reminded of his responsibilities in relation to his post-match celebrations".

O'Leary celebrated the derby win by running across the pitch to where Doug Ellis was sitting, clenching his fist and pointing towards the Villa chairman in front of the Birmingham supporters.

"I only wanted to wave to Doug and my other friends," O'Leary said. "That's the only way I was going to see them because of the layout (at St Andrew's). The directors' box is on the other side."

The FA, meanwhile, has said comments made by O'Leary in relation to Steve Bennett's refereeing at Villa Park in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday were "under consideration". O'Leary said after the game: "The referee couldn't wait to give certain decisions in favour of Liverpool's big players. It wasn't a penalty - the referee cost us the game, end of story."

The FA will decide over the next few days whether the Aston Villa manager should face his second charge within a month. O'Leary was charged with using abusive or insulting words to a match official after he made a remark to Graham Poll following the win over Birmingham. O'Leary has requested a personal hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

Aston Villa are carrying out their own financial checks on the consortium led by the Comer brothers, who have yet to provide proof of funds but are currently going through the process of due diligence before deciding whether to pursue their interest in a takeover bid.

Meanwhile, Lee Hendrie wants to finish his career at Aston Villa and insists that, despite considering a loan move to get first-team football, he still has a good working relationship with David O'Leary.

The former England midfielder was suspended for the opening part of the season after incurring a three-match ban for a sending-off against FA Cup giant killers Tamworth in a friendly. A knee operation further delayed his return and only now is Hendrie easing his way back as a first-team substitute.

Hendrie knows a short spell away from Villa Park may help him regain match fitness if he cannot force his way back into the starting line-up.

But the 28-year-old has a testimonial next season after more than a decade's service to Villa and has no desire to leave the midlands club.

Hendrie, who made one England appearance under Glenn Hoddle seven years ago, said: "Going out on loan is maybe a possibility to consider to get some games under my belt if things aren't going well for me, maybe around Christmas time.

"But I want to finish my career at Villa and play a major part in the future. The loan is just one thing to consider. It has been a frustrating start to the season but I'm thinking positive and believe I can get my place back."

Guardian Service