FA clears Queudrue

Queudrue was accused of kicking out at Kevin Phillips

Middlesbrough defender Franck Queudrue has been cleared of violent behaviour by the Football Association.

Queudrue was charged after video evidence suggested he had caught Southampton's Kevin Phillips on the back of the leg during a challenge.

"A disciplinary commission was of the opinion that the charge of violent behaviour against Franck Queudrue could not be proven," said an FA spokesman.

Phillips was sent off after lashing out at Queudrue during Boro's 1-0 victory.

The Southampton striker recieved an automatic three-match ban for violent conduct after he kicked Queudrue in September.

Queudrue would have faced a similar ban if the charge had been proved.

The Frenchman travelled to Manchester for a personal hearing with Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren and chief executive Keith Lamb to protest his innocence.

Former Lens defender Queudrue was determined to escape punishment after starting the season with a five-match ban - the punishment for his third red card of last term.

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