MACKIE CHARGED BY THE FA

Last updated : 21 January 2003 By Rob Cooper
John Mackie
Mackie (right) in action against Nottingham Forest last month. The Royals star was today charged by the FA.
The FA have today charged John Mackie with misconduct for the use of threatening behaviour and abusive and / or insulting words to an opponent following an alleged clash between the Royals defender and Sheffield United star Steve Kabba in the tunnel on December 14th.

The 26-year-old, who has recently enjoyed a prolonged spell in the first team, has two weeks to respond to the charges.

It has been alleged that Mackie aimed a punch at Asaba in the tunnel as the players trapsed off following Reading's 2-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United.

It has also been reported that the incident continued when the players came back out onto the pitch to warm down, with the pair reportedly having to be separated by a steward.

Last month Mackie admitted that such an incident did take place and apoligised as well as voluntarily donated two weeks wages to the Let's Kick Racism Out Of Football Campaign.

Speaking at the time Mackie said: "I would like to apoligise publically for the comment I made to Asaba after the game which I now appreciate may have caused racial offence. I made the comment when I was still pumped up after the game, during which I had a tussle with Carl.

"I deeply regret making the comments and I know that I have let myself and Reading Football Club down."

Black Reading stars Anthony Rougier and John Salako are likely to be called to give evidence at any hearing as they are believed to have witnessed the incident.