Lita furious with ban

Last updated : 19 April 2007 By Angus Muller

The Reading striker, 22, was accused of headbutting Talal El Karkouri but claims the Charlton defender was feigning injury in last week's Barclays Premiership clash at The Valley.

"The incident against Charlton was embarrassing, you don't need that in the game," said Lita.

"I didn't touch him, he went down like an idiot and it was cheating.

"I would love to see them (the FA) do something about diving cheats. We have got a good disciplinary record at Reading, but that wasn't taken into consideration."

Royals boss Steve Coppell expressed his surprise at the FA's decision against his striker.

Lita is hoping to play a part in the European Championship for England Under-21s in June but will only have matches against Watford and Blackburn as preparation.

Kevin Doyle stepped in for Lita against Fulham on Saturday and set up Stephen Hunt's first-half winner.

Lita added: "I've only got two games at the end of the season now because of the ban.

"I spoke to Steve Coppell about it and he said the decision was pathetic."

PA Sport