August 16 2002

Alex Kolinko

Alex Kolinko has spoken for the first time about the cuffing incident that occured during the Bradford match on Tuesday night, claiming that it was a lot worse than Francis has made out.

Kolinko denies that he was laughing after Bradford scored their goal, and claims that Francis punched him on the nose.

Kolinko said: "I was not laughing in the dugout. The manager punched me on the nose. I have not been given an explanation why he did it. My nose is very sore and bruised."

His agent, Phil Graham, added: "Due to the amount of speculation concerning an incident during the game against Bradford on Tuesday Alex feels he has no alternative but to put the record straight.

"Reports claimed he was laughing when Bradford scored and that he got a clip around the ear from Francis.

"Alex is surprised and disappointed that he has not received an official apology from the manager and is very upset that he is being portrayed as an uncaring professional.

"He did not report the incident to the police. An on-duty policeman next to the dugout saw what happened and the policeman told Alex he would be writing a report.

"The fourth official also saw the incident clearly and that is why the manager was sent to the stand."