| Diouf Fined For Public Order Offence
Wed 16 Nov, 3:09 PM
Bolton striker El Hadji Diouf has been fined £500 and ordered to pay the same amount in costs after pleading guilty to a charge of reckless behaviour, stemming from a spitting incident with an 11-year-old fan.
The Senegal international was charged after Middlesbrough supporter James Shields claimed he was hit by juice the player spat from his mouth after he being substituted in the 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium last November.
His case had been due to go to trial next month, and was listed for a pre-trial review on Monday, but solicitor Alan Walsh, in Diouf's absence, entered a guilty plea on his client's behalf at Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday.
Diouf, 24, admitted he had been "reckless" to spit out his drink but had not meant to hit anyone with the liquid, a Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said.
The dug-out at Middlesbrough's ground was unusual because the perspex panel which separates the bench from fans sitting behind had holes in it, and the player did not know this, she said.
"He has admitted to discharging liquid from his mouth but without the intention to spit at any individual directly.
"There was no intention to use disorderly behaviour but it was reckless."
Diouf, despite earning a reported £40,000 a week, controversially claimed legal aid after District Judge Mike Woods said it was justified as he had at one time stood the risk of being banned from football grounds thus depriving him of his livelihood. However, no ban was imposed.
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[Edited on 16-11-2005 by domski]  | 
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