Ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams charged by FA after 'altercation' at his son's football match in Manchester

Williams denies any wrongdoing and said he was 'defending himself'

Ashlie Blakey Live and breaking news reporter

07:53, 13 Oct 2022Updated 07:53, 13 Oct 2022

Former Wales captain and BBC pundit Ashley Williams(Image: PA)

Former Wales captain Ashley Williams has been charged by the FA in Manchester after an incident at his son's football match.

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The ex-Swansea City and Everton defender has been charged with improper conduct and violent, threatening behaviour following the alleged altercation in the under-12s East Manchester Junior Football League game between Corinthians and his son's side TSC, the Daily Mail reports. The match, which took place last month, was reportedly abandoned after the alleged incident.

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Reports suggest the incident was captured on video and was sparked by a clash between players on the pitch. Williams then allegedly became involved with another adult.

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A spokesperson for Williams said: "Ashley had been assaulted and was defending himself. We have 45 witnesses – including people associated with the two teams who were about to use the pitch - who will back up our version of events and we will defend Ashley vigorously." He is said to have requested a personal hearing and is expected to continue in his role as a BBC TV pundit.

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The FA told WalesOnline the matter is being managed by the Manchester County FA.

A spokesman for Manchester County FA said: "Following an investigation, Mr Williams has been charged by Manchester FA with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 - Improper Conduct (including violent conduct and threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour), and has responded to the charge requesting a personal hearing."

A BBC spokesperson told the Mail: "This is a personal matter for Ashley and the sport’s governing body."

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