Ashley Williams has been CLEARED by the FA for inappropriate behavior and violent, threatening behaviour

Former Wales captain Ashley Williams has been cleared of disorderly conduct and violent, threatening behavior after being charged with assaulting an opposition coach in an under-12s match.

BBC Williams, a 38-year-old professional, is said to have “completely lost his way” at a children’s game in Manchester where his son was playing.

But he said he had acted in self-defence – a claim the match referee, who gave evidence in what was described as an “exhausting” two-session hearing, was said to have confirmed.

Williams, who has hired a lawyer for the case, is said to have dozens of witness statements to back up his version of events – with many describing him as a “role model”.

He was accused of entering the field to confront a coach who intervened when Williams’ son was taking turns with a child on the other team, before allegedly attacking the man in front of his son and wife and refusing to let him go.

But the judge told the hearing, at which Williams appeared in person, that it was the opponent’s coach who acted first.

Sources close to Williams revealed he was “thrilled” with the result.

Former Wales captain Williams (circled, left and right) allegedly assaulted an opposing coach during an under-12 match in Manchester as he watched his son play. He was found innocent

While the BBC previously told this newspaper it was a “personal matter” and Williams later appeared on Football Focus and Match of the Day, a different ruling may have left bosses with a decision ahead of Qatar where he will appear. as an expert.

A spokesman for the former Wales footballer claimed he acted in self-defence and that ’45 witnesses’ could corroborate his version of events.

Friends have revealed that Williams and his family have been under a lot of stress following the allegation, which he now wants to leave behind.

The incident caused the suspension of an East Manchester Junior Football League match on September 18 between Corinthians and Williams TSC at Wright-Robinson College in Manchester.

One source familiar with the case attacked the Football Association, saying they accused first and asked questions later. It’s not fair and it’s the wrong way. It’s been a very difficult time for Ashley, his family and the team.”

After the charge, a spokesman for Williams, who has 86 caps for Wales and played for Swansea City and Everton, said he had been attacked and was defending himself. They promised to ‘vigorously defend’ the former centre-back.

Williams was represented by Simon Goodbody of Bray & Krais Solicitors, led by former professional footballer Udo Onwere.

Williams was cleared following a hearing before the Football Association’s board on Wednesday

An FA spokesman said: ‘The FA Disciplinary Committee has found that the charge against Ashley Williams for an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 has not been proven.

“It was alleged that Ashley Williams’ behavior at a football match in Manchester last month was inappropriate and that his behavior involved violent behavior and/or threats and/or abusive language and Manchester FA charged him with breaching FA Rule E3 following a full investigation .

Ashley Williams denied the allegation and requested an in-person hearing, where the disciplinary committee then found the allegation unproven. His written reasons for this decision will be published in due course.

Despite the initial allegations, Williams continued to work as an MoTD expert at the BBC