UPDATED: Becchetti handed six-match stadium ban
Leyton Orient president Francesco Becchetti (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
FA fine Orient president £40,000 after Italian attended a personal hearing this afternoon
Leyton Orient president Francesco Becchetti has been given a six-match stadium ban by the Football Association in relation to an incident that occurred on Boxing Day.
The Italian has also been fined £40,000 after attending a personal hearing today (Friday) in relation to his improper conduct and violent conduct charge.
After the O’s 3-2 win against Portsmouth on December 26, an incident occurred between Becchetti and assistant manager Andy Hessenthaler.
It resulted in the club releasing a statement insisting it was “a good natured exchange” between the pair.
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The Orient president celebrated the victory by going onto the pitch before taking part in a lap of honour at Brisbane Road.
All of this was included in referee Graham Horwood’s report and therefore the Italian was charged by the FA.
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After contesting the charge, he has now been given a six-match stadium ban, fined £40,000 and warned of his future conduct.
“Francesco Becchetti will serve a six-match stadium ban after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven, following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today,” read a statement on the FA website.
“The suspension has been stayed pending any decision regarding an appeal.
“The Leyton Orient president and club owner admitted his behaviour at the end of the game against Portsmouth on 26 December 2015 amounted to improper conduct, however, he denied it was violent.
“Along with his match-day ban from six first team matches in approved competitions, Mr Becchetti was also fined £40,000 and warned as to his future conduct.”
Becchetti issued the following statement in response to the charge via the Orient website, it read: “In response to the charge brought by football’s governing body, the Football Association, Mr Becchetti, Leyton Orient’s President, admitted improper conduct, but strongly denied violent conduct. Mr Becchetti was also granted a personal hearing on request.
“Mr Becchetti however is deeply disappointed with the decision that has been taken by the Football Association Regulatory Commission, which he does not believe reflects the events on Boxing Day. Mr Becchetti will consider an appeal upon reviewing the written reasons of the Panel.”
