Hammam ready for punishment

Cardiff owner Sam Hammam today claimed the club would be prepared to play games behind closed doors if they are punished for the FA Cup third round crowd disturbances at Ninian Park.

The Football Association in London and the Welsh FA in Cardiff announced today that they are to launch a joint investigation into the disturbing scenes which marred the Second Division side's shock 2-1 win over Premiership Leeds yesterday.

Referee Andy D'Urso and a linesman complained that they were hit by objects thrown from the crowd during the tie, and Leeds manager David O'Leary said objects were thrown at his players.

At the end of the match thousands of home fans spilled on to the pitch, and hundreds were seen to head towards the away supporters' section and bait the Leeds fans - only to be driven back by dogs and baton-wielding police.

Hammam faced criticism today for taunting the Leeds fans during the match and was accused by O'Leary of provoking crowd violence. The pair were involved in a furious tunnel bust-up after the match.

The former Wimbledon owner could be charged by the Welsh FA with bringing the game into disrepute and his club is certain to be charged with failing to control its fans. If found guilty Cardiff could be fined and told to play future matches behind closed doors.

In a statement issued today, the FWA said: "In light of the serious nature of press reports detailing incidents during and after the match, the FA of Wales will be carrying out a joint investigation with the FA."

But Hammam said today he is prepared to face his punishment.

And he denied he stoked up an already confrontational situation, saying he always walks around the edge of Ninian Park's pitch during games. In fact he has been quoted as saying it is "better than sex" watching a goal go in from behind the goal. "If we have done something guilty that requires ground closure and it is in the game's interest then that is it," he said. "I always go behind the goalmouth. That is part of my tradition. That is where I like to stand. I was not inciting the crowd."

BBC Director of Sport Peter Salmon today urged the FA to take strong action against Cardiff after BBC reporter Jonathan Overend was thrown out of the ground and had a recording of an interview confiscated after a row with Hammam.

He said: "I am angry and dismayed that a BBC reporter was forcibly evicted from Cardiff. We will be making a formal complaint to the FA insisting on a full investigation."

Leeds shattered by a great Scott

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