Wise escapes with a fine

Millwall player-manager Dennis Wise was tonight claiming a moral victory after escaping a touchline ban.

Instead the former England midfielder was fined £3,000 and warned to his future conduct.

The punishment was imposed by a Football Association disciplinary commission after Wise requested a personal hearing.

He was charged with abusive and/or insulting words to a match official following an incident during the game at Sheffield United on March 2.

Wise launched a tirade at referee Frazer Stretton after his side's 2-1 First Division defeat at Bramall Lane was marred by a mass brawl.

Wise was represented by Mick McGuire, deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers Association, who said: "We are delighted the panel saw fit not to impose a touchline ban. We are pleased with the outcome."

The FA confirmed on their website, www.thefa.com, that Wise would not be banished to the stands.

In a statement, the governing body said: "Dennis Wise has been fined and warned to his future conduct by a disciplinary commission."

Wise is enjoying a marvellous season with the First Division club after taking over on a permanent basis from Mark McGhee in November.

They face Manchester United in the FA Cup final next month at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, knowing a UEFA Cup berth is already guaranteed.

Millwall are also pushing for promotion to the Barclaycard Premiership after hitting a good run of form in Nationwide Division One.

But the 37-year-old, who became player-manager at the Den last November, has incurred the wrath of the FA on many occasions during his controversial career.

As a player Wise has been sent off 13 times and four years ago he was fined £7,500 for his part in a tunnel bust-up whilst at Chelsea.