West Brom fans brand FA 'pathetic' after Julian Jeanvier escapes charge for spitting
Baggies fans have branded the Football Association ‘pathetic’ after Brentford defender Julian Jeanvier escaped a charge amid complaints he spat at supporters.
Jeanvier admitted to spitting ‘in the proximity of’ Albion fans towards the end of a match at Griffin Park on Saturday, March 16, and issued an apology in a statement on Brentford’s website yesterday.
Brentford say they have dealt with the matter internally and reminded the French defender that his behaviour was unacceptable.
However, the FA decided not to bring any charges against Jeanvier after reviewing video footage of the incident.
Sandra Hughes was one of the fans involved. She said: “Who exactly has he apologised to? He did not spit in the proximity of the West Brom fans, he spat at us.
“Shame on the FA, no charge, pathetic. I’m disappointed that we don’t know how the incident has been dealt with by the club.
“I would have expected that at least he would be fined and the fine would go to charity.”
Connor Ashfield also claims Jeanvier spat at him. He said: “If this was a fan they would be banned from football and kicked out the ground.
“I’m very unhappy that he hasn't been charged. Dwight Gayle got banned the other week for diving but the FA think it's acceptable for players to spit at us.”
Jenna Bates, who was a couple of metres behind the incident, said: “I think it’s unacceptable! If that occurs on the pitch towards another player and the ref sees it then he gets sent off.
“A similar situation happened a few years ago where (Albion player , Goran) Popov was sent off for spitting towards a player and he got a red card and a ban! Why is it being treated differently because it’s towards fans?”
Brentford opened an investigation into the 26-year-old after Baggies fan complained about the incident.
They issued a statement yesterday saying: “Brentford Football Club received complaints and enquiries about the behaviour of defender Julian Jeanvier in the last minutes of the Sky Bet Championship match against West Bromwich Albion on March 16.
“We also heard from the Football Association about the incident and Julian provided the governing body with a statement and the club supplied video footage.
“Subsequently, the club has been told there are no plans by the FA to bring any charges against Julian.
“However, in discussions with Julian, the defender has admitted spitting in the proximity of West Bromwich Albion fans.
“He has asked that the club publish this as an apology to any supporters involved in the incident.
“Brentford FC has made it very clear to Julian that such behaviour is unacceptable. The matter has been dealt with internally and is now considered closed.”
