Wright regrets `reckless' actions

Match official David Elleray has mentioned an off-the-field incident which took place after Ian Wright was dismissed in last Saturday's match between West Ham and Leeds in his match report to the FA.

Wright yesterday apologised for the "stupid and reckless" behaviour which involved the striker being in the referee's room after Rob Harris showed him the red card at Upton Park.

Elleray confirmed: "I have submitted a disciplinary report to the FA in my capacity as the fourth official at the match.

"I have sent in a report on an incident after Mr Wright was sent from the field of play.

"As a fourth official, I am only empowered to report on things not seen by the referee on or off the field of play, so my report solely deals with incidents not in the referee's match report."

Wright admitted: "I was furious at being sent off for only the second time in my career."

"It was as if I was watching someone else. I don't even remember properly what I did - only that I was into the ref's room.

"I hope and pray to God that I can be forgiven for this stupid and reckless act by the match officials, the club, the fans and the authorities."

Elleray insists he is not worried about the safety of match officials despite weekend trouble.

Newcastle manager Ruud Gullit yesterday denied reports that Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf is set to join the English Premiership side.

Gullit said he was mystified by weekend reports that his Dutch compatriot was about to make a £5.5 million move to Tyneside.

"I don't know where that story comes from," he said. "It's totally out of the blue. It's not true."

Six teams are still in the running to host the 2006 World Cup finals, football's international governing body FIFA announced yesterday. Brazil, England, Germany, Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco have all confirmed their bids to stage the tournament.

The decision on the host nation will be taken in March next year after a meeting of the 24-man FIFA executive committee in Switzerland.

England, Germany and South Africa are considered the strongest remaining candidates.