No FA charge for Leicester’s Nigel Pearson after James McArthur incident

The Football Association has decided against charging the Leicester manager Nigel Pearson following an incident involving the Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur.

Pearson, who has faced speculation over his future in the aftermath of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Alan Pardew’s side, appeared to grab the Scotland international by the throat before attempting to stop McArthur from returning to the pitch by deliberately holding onto his shirt in the second half of the match.

The FA has written to Pearson “reminding him of his responsibilities” but will not be instigating any disciplinary proceedings.

When asked to explain his actions on Saturday, Pearson, who tried to sign McArthur from Wigan in the summer only for him to join Palace instead, responded: “Because he said something to me.” Asked to elaborate, he added: “I don’t have to reveal anything, do I? I’m more than capable of looking after myself.”

The 51-year-old was fined £10,000 and given a one-match touchline ban in December for telling a Leicester fan to “fuck off and die”.

Guardian Services