Dugarry on violent conduct charge
LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Birmingham's former French international striker Christophe Dugarry has been as charged with violent conduct by the English Football Association.
Dugarry's elbow caught Blackburn defender Craig Short during a Premier League match last month, breaking his nose.
The incident was not witnessed by the referee, but Dugarry was sent off later in the match, won 4-0 by Blackburn, for two unrelated yellow cards.
Dugarry, who has not played since the Blackburn match on December 6 because of a knee injury, has the backing of his manager Steve Bruce, who said the club would fight the charge.
"I looked at the video evidence and, yes, there is no question that Christophe does catch Craig Short," he told the club's website.
"But I don't think he intentionally tried to do it. I think he just tried to protect the ball. When you do try and injure someone with your elbow, you usually look first."
