Verbal abuse charge against Huddersfield Town's Nicky Cowley dropped

The Terriers assistant was accused of verbally abusing one of the Nottingham Forest coaching staff, making reference to his nationality, in a tempestuous Championship match on December 21.

After Huddersfield submitted video evidence to support Cowley’s denial of the charge, the FA told them on Friday the charge had been dropped.

“Both Nicky and the club are happy that this matter is now closed, and that Nicky has been cleared of any suggestion of discriminatory behaviour, which is a very serious allegation,” said a Huddersfield statement.

Cowley’s brother, manager Danny, accused Forest of being disrespectful during a physical game which home side Huddersfield won 2-1. There was jostling as the teams went down the tunnel at half-time and visiting captain Ben Watson had to be held back at the final whistle after making a beeline for Danny Cowley.

Just three players from either side were booked.

“They were physical, weren’t they?” said the Huddersfield manager afterwards. “They kicked us and Ian Kirkpatrick (Huddersfield’s physio) has run a marathon today, the number of times he was on the pitch.”

It was clear after the match there was bad blood lingering between the two sets of coaches.

“I think there’s a way to conduct yourself and a way to behave, certainly in England we behave with respect,” said Danny Cowley. “It’s competitive and you do all you can to win but when the whistle goes you shake hands.

“They said some disrespectful things in my opinion – what I could make out of it.

“It happens in the heat of the moment.”

The FA made it clear they attached no blame to Frenchman Sabri Lamouchi’s coaching staff for raising the issue.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the FA believes the allegation was made in good faith and we thank the witnesses for coming forward,” said a statement.

“The FA also wishes to thank Mr Cowley for his co-operation.”

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