Russos slam 'unjustified' Watford action
The fallout from Watford's relegation continued today with the shock exit of directors Jimmy and Vince Russo.
Watford offered no explanation for the sudden parting with the Russo brothers, whose Valley Grown Salads business is a major supplier to Waitrose and Sainsbury's supermarkets, other than to reveal they had been removed as directors with "immediate effect".
Let off: Danny Shittu has had his ban rescinded
The Russos go one week after chief executive Mark Ashton joined the Watford board.
The pair claimed Watford had dismissed them as directors "without any justification".
In a joint statement, the brothers said: "Our concerns have been and remain the best interests of Watford Football Club and its supporters.
"Our removal from the board is completely contrary to out wishes and without any justification whatsoever.
"We have been long-term supporters financially and generally of the club. It comes as a complete shock that the board should see fit to take this act on at such a critical stage in the club's history."
Giacomo - known as Jimmy - is the founder of food suppliers Valley Grown Salads, of which Vincenzo - known as Vince - is a director.
The brothers also have business interests in Egypt, Spain and Israel.
A statement from Watford chairman Graham Simpson read: "On behalf of the board, I would like to express our gratitude to Giacomo and Vincenzo Russo for their contribution to Watford Leisure (the holding company of Watford FC) and their commitment to the football club during their tenure."
FA investigate Shittu caution
Watford defender Clarke Carlisle has received a one-match ban after the Football Association upheld the club's claim for mistaken identity over Danny Shittu's yellow card.
Hornets centre-back Shittu was cautioned by referee Martin Atkinson in the 34th minute after Blades striker Jon Stead was felled as he looked to break through.
A disciplinary commission hearing agreed that it was Shittu's defensive partner Carlisle who committed the foul and has transferred the caution to the former Leeds defender.
Carlisle had already been booked for trying to kick the ball out of goalkeeper Paddy Kenny's hands in the 18th minute and will now miss the weekend visit to Reading.
