Police decide not to charge Smith

Alan Smith the Leeds United striker, may still face disciplinary action by the Football Association despite learning that he will not be prosecuted for a bottle-throwing incident during last month's Carling Cup game with Manchester United.

Smith was seen picking up a plastic bottle which had landed on the Elland Road pitch late in extra time during Leeds' 3-2 defeat to United and hurling it back into the crowd where it hit the sister of one of his best friends. Although no complaint was made against Smith by the girl or her family, the matter was still pursued by West Yorkshire Police who, last Friday, arrested and questioned the 23-year-old. The Crown Prosecution Service, however, have advised West Yorkshire Police not to charge Smith with any criminal offence.

Leeds have decided to take the stance of innocent until proven guilty and will allow Jody Morris to continue playing for the club pending the outcome of legal proceedings into a charge of rape. The midfielder, along with his friend Kristofer Dickie, has been remanded on bail after his appearance at Leeds magistrates court yesterday morning charged with raping a 20-year-old woman on 7 October.