Football steward escapes punishment over banner complaint (From Croydon Guardian)

Croydon councillor and Palace steward moved to new area following disciplinary hearing

7:50am Thursday 12th January 2012 in Crystal Palace By Nick Hitchens

A football steward and Conservative Croydon councillor has been cleared to continue his role at Crystal Palace following a hearing into complaints made by fans before Christmas.

Crystal Palace Club steward Tony Pearson, who represents New Addington ward as a councillor, will now patrol a new area of Selhurst Park but was cleared of wrong-doing following a disciplinary hearing by the club on January 10.

Complaints were levelled against him following a confrontation with Eagles fans at a fixture versus Birmingham City on December 19 when Mr Pearson asked for a banner commenting on a Football Association dispute with the club’s chairman over youth players to be taken down.

A statement from Crystal Palace said: “Whilst it was agreed that Mr Pearson could have handled the situation better there was no grounds for Mr Pearson to lose his position with the club.

“Mr Pearson will now resume his duties but in the best interest of all parties this will now be in a different part of the stadium to avoid any other potential confrontation.”

Mr Pearson said his roles within Crystal Palace and Croydon Council were entirely separate and he now hoped to draw a line under the incident.