IAN Evatt has been cleared of wrongdoing by the Football Association after a personal hearing following a red card at Northampton Town earlier this month.
The Wanderers boss had been facing a touchline ban after being sent off during the half time interval at Sixfields by referee Jeremy Simpson.
He attended a hearing on Wednesday but the FA’s disciplinary committee decided he did not have a case to answer.
An FA Spokesperson said: “An independent regulatory commission has found Ian Evatt’s charge for a breach of FA rule E3.1 at the EFL League One game between Bolton Wanderers and Northampton Town on Saturday, February 10 not to be proven.
“It was alleged that he acted in an improper manner and used abusive words towards a match official during half time, which led to him being sent off.
“The independent regulatory commission made its decision following a personal hearing.”
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— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) February 29, 2024
Evatt had been sent off in August during a game against Fleetwood, becoming the first manager in EFL history to be punished for the ‘misuse of technology’ on the touchline.
That means he could have been given a two-game ban had the red card stood.
Speaking at his press conference for the Cambridge game, Evatt admitted the positive verdict had offered him some cheer after two demoralising defeats at Blackpool and Wigan.
“It has been a rough few days, there is no denying that, and there have been some mixed emotions this week,” he said. “But I am pleased to say the hearing went very well and I was found not guilty of the charges provided.”
Evatt had immediately protested his innocence, having asked referee Simpson for his reasons for sending off midfielder George Thomason at Northampton.
The prospect of a touchline ban – and most likely a fine – was not something he wanted to consider as Wanderers enter into a vital stretch of games.
“I was concerned because I knew at the time what had happened. It shouldn’t have happened,” he said.
“When it is hanging over you, you never really know how it is going to end.
“I don’t think it would have been helpful to our team if I am sat in the stand, so it is great that it won’t be the case.”
