Ilkeston Suspend Ricketts

Ilkeston FC today announced that Gary Ricketts’ suspension will last for two weeks - and that he has been fined the maximum amount allowed within FA regulations.

The veteran striker has also been given a final written warning by Ilkeston FC as to his future conduct.

Ricketts was involved in an incident during the pre-season friendly against Mansfield Town on August 3 and the Stags issued a statement last week saying that they are taking legal action against Ilkeston FC over the injury to defender John Thompson.

Said Ilkeston FC chairman Dave Mantle: “We suspended Gary Ricketts immediately after that game to give us time to carry out a full inquiry and we have now completed that task.

“We are satisfied Gary is genuine in his remorse for his part in the injury to John Thompson and we will stand by him. However, that certainly does not mean that we condone any action that causes another player to be injured.

“This is not a decision that we have taken lightly. I have taken advice from numerous people - those involved within football as well as our professional advisors - and we believe we have taken the right course of action.

“We have been in regular contact throughout with Mansfield Town and apart from speaking frequently to chairman John Radford, I have also met with him and shown him the recording of the match.

“We have also co-operated fully with an inquiry which the FA are carrying out, and have complied fully with the FA request for information concerning the incident.”

The two-week ban means he misses the first two League games of the season. He will be available for selection as from Thursday August 18.