Wise escapes ban for tirade at referee

Dennis Wise, the Millwall player-manager, escaped a touchline ban yesterday, butwas fined £3,000 and warned about his future conduct by a Football Association disciplinary commission.

Wise was charged with abusive and/or insulting words to a match official following an incident during the game at Sheffield United on 2 March. Wise launched a tirade at the referee Frazer Stretton after his side's 2-1 First Division defeat at Bramall Lane was marred by a mass brawl.

Wise was represented by Mick Maguire, the deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, who said: "We are delighted the panel saw fit not to impose a touchline ban. We are pleased with the outcome."

The FA confirmed that Wise would not be banished to the stands. In a statement, the governing body said: "Dennis Wise has been fined and warned to his future conduct by a disciplinary commission."