Lita Livid With FA Ban

Leroy Lita is absolutely furious at the FA`s decision to implement a three match ban on him.

The 22-year-old England under-21 striker was alleged to headbutt Talal El Karkouri in Reading`s 0-0 draw with Charlton at the Valley.

Lita has blasted the Charlton defender, who he maintains feigned his injury:

“The incident against Charlton was embarrassing, you don’t need that in the game,’ said Lita.

‘I didn’t touch him, he went down like an idiot and it was cheating.

‘I would love to see them (the FA) do something about diving cheats. We have got a good disciplinary record at Reading, but that wasn’t taken into consideration.’

It leaves Lita in a maddening situation as the striker will not be available for two more (having served one match of the ban against Fulham) of Reading`s final four fixtures, a frustrating state of affairs for any player wanting to play.

‘I’ve only got two games at the end of the season now because of the ban.

‘I spoke to Steve Coppell about it and he said the decision was pathetic.’

I would have liked to see Talal El Karkouri come forward and say something in Lita`s defence, as the player did not gain an advantage in the game he could do the decent thing and vindicate Lita.

I could even understand if a three match ban may in some way help Charlton`s position, say if Reading were embroiled in the relegation battle with them or if the Royals had to face Charlton again.

But as it is El Karkouri has only succeeded in hindering the Royals chances of a higher finish, we don`t need cheats like this in the game.