Leeds midfielder Olivier Dacourt believes he prevented Arsenal's Patrick Vieira from receiving an eight match ban and a GBP 60,000 fine from the FA. Vieira was charged for violent conduct after seemingly headbutting Eirik Bakke and kicking Dacourt in the throat during the 1-0 defeat at Elland Road in November 2000.

Dacourt has told French TV how he quickly wrote to the FA to defend Vieira, claiming there was no malice in the challenge. His evidence may have influenced the disciplinary committee, who dismissed the incident involving Bakke.

Full story at Ananova.