Emre's Premiership Career Saved

Last updated : 20 March 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
The 26-year-old Turkey international said he would leave England if an independent disciplinary commission found him guilty.

An Football Association charge of using racially-aggravated abusive and insulting words during his side's 3-0 defeat at Everton on December 30 has hung over him for weeks. And his agent openly said he had spoken to two Italian clubs about a possible move in the summer.

The verdict fell short of complete exoneration, but the commission did not find him guilty.

The Toon midfielder admitted using certain words that he said were acceptable in his home country, and blamed "cultural differences". The FA didn't see that as a defence, but the independent disciplinary commission obviously do.

Emre: "I am very pleased to be found not guilty. I am not a racist and I condemn racism.

"I am very happy to receive a fair hearing and I hope that I can now resume my career free of the pressure of some of the reports that have been published about me.

"I now want to get on with my career and I am very grateful for all the support I have had from everybody at the club and those people close to me."

A statement released by the FA said: "Having heard all the evidence presented, and having regard to the standard of proof agreed with both the FA and Newcastle United, we were not satisfied that the charge was proved."

Newcastle United: "The FA gave Emre a very fair hearing and we are very pleased with the outcome.

"I am very proud of the fact that Newcastle United as a football club has always been a strong champion of the efforts to rid sport and society of racism, and we will continue to maintain our long tradition of supporting anti-racism initiatives."