Tonight saw Southbank successfully appeal the suspension of midfielder Paul Towner for an alleged obscene gesture to the referee during the 5-1 defeat away to Tilehurst United in February.

It was alleged by the referee that as Paul was substituted he verbally abused him and then raised two fingers in disgust at the penalty decision made shortly before the incident.  As it was clear to all that the gesture was in no way aimed at the referee and was in fact directed at First Team Manager Derrick Holton for his substitution, the Berks & Bucks Disciplinary committee found the charge unproven and so Paul avoids a lengthy ban and substantial fine.

Paul was very relieved on hearing the news and said "I have certainly learned my lesson and won't be making any gestures in the future."  Paul also added, "I'd like to thank the Berks & Bucks FA for their sympathetic and professional handling of this matter and I am just pleased to put this unsavory incident behind me so I can concentrate on my football once again."

Its believed that the referees inability to attend the hearing and support his allegations worked to Pauls advantage, as did Jimmy Cranky's kind advice to Paul before the hearing!

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