Football: Brighton plan to foul up FA's big week

Brighton fans are planning to disrupt the Football Association's preparations for England's World Cup showdown with Italy on Wednesday, in protest at the club's uncertain future and lack of support from the FA.

Supporters' groups are aiming to jam the FA headquarters' phone and fax lines over the next three days, starting tomorrow. A delegation from the Brighton Independent Supporters' Association is to lobby FA headquarters before the international.

The plan has divided some Brighton fans. Sarah Watts, the secretary of Albion's official supporters club, said she was disassociating herself from the protest.

Bury are unlikely to face punishment over an alleged attack on the referee, Ian Cruikshanks, by a spectator during Saturday's 2-1 win over Bournemouth. A 29-year-old Bournemouth man has been charged with assault.

An FA spokesman said: "We are talking about the isolated actions of one fan and it is unlikely, at this stage, that we will be taking any action against Bury."