Union backs Carragher after coin-throwing incident

The Players' union in England say Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher should not face further punishment for throwing a coin at Arsenal fans during yesterday's FA Cup defeat for the holders.

The England international was struck by a coin in a heated second half that also saw Arsenal defender Martin Keown and striker Dennis Bergkamp ordered off by referee Mike Reilly.

Carragher was struck next to the touch line and picked up a coin hurling it back at the crowd with obvious malicious intent.

Reilly immediately sent the player off and the English GFA are to investigate Carragher's actions.

But Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor defended Carragher:

"It's a real safety threat to players.

"Police, stewards and safety officers need to make full use of closed circuit TV and make sure people who throw things are excluded from games."

"We don't want Jamie's reaction - but players, referees and officials are in a vulnerable position.

"The real problem here is spectators throwing coins, missiles, objects - call it what you will - on to the pitch.

"This must not happen again."

Carragher issued an apology for the incident yesterday after his red card which Reilly confirmed was for violent conduct:

"I regret what happened at Highbury because I let the club, the fans, my team-mates and myself down," Carragher told Liverpool's website.

"No matter what the physical or verbal provocation, I shouldn't have reacted like that and I want to apologise for any offence I've caused.

"I was frustrated and I did it without thinking in the heat of the moment.

"Everyone who has seen me play regularly will realise that it was completely out of character, but I'm not trying to make excuses.

"It was wrong and, as a professional footballer, I should have known better.

"It's a mistake that I won't make again."

Arsenal say any fan found to have thrown objects at players will be banned for likfe but the increase of such incidents this season is worrying all clubs and the players' union.