Soccer

Robbie Brady escapes suspension over Ashley Williams incident

Ireland winger free to play in next month’s World Cup playoffs after being cleared by Fifa

Ireland’s Robbie Brady is free to play in November’s World Cup qualifiers after escaping punishment for an incident involving Wales’ Ashley Williams. Photo: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Thu Oct 12 2017 - 17:38

Robbie Brady has been cleared by Fifa over an incident involving Ashley Williams during last Monday's win over Wales in Cardiff, meaning he will be avalaible for both legs of Ireland's World Cup playoff next month.

It was announced two days ago that the Ireland winger was under investigation for appearing to headbutt the Wales defender in the back on 61 minutes.

The Burnley man had lost the ball and looked to be pushed to the ground by Williams before getting up and moving his head towards the defenders back as he ran past him.

Williams took no notice and the incident was not spotted by the referee or either of his assistants. However, it was subsequently analysed by Fifa but the governing body have now confirmed that Brady will not face any action.

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Ireland are without David Meyler for the first leg of November's playoff due to an accumulation of yellow cards but Martin O'Neill did receive some good news today when Burnley manager Sean Dyche said that Jonathan Walters could be fit for the playoffs as he continues to recover from a jnee injury.

Ireland will discover who they are playing when the draw is made in Zurich next Tuesday with Croatia, Italy, Denmark and Switzerland the possible opponents.

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