Francis dismissal is no laughing matter

Crystal Palace manager Trevor Francis was dismissed during his side's 1-1 home draw with Bradford for cuffing one of his own players around the ear. Palace had just conceded a goal when Francis acted after he heard one of his own players laughing.

"When Bradford scored our substitute Alex Kolinko laughed so I cuffed him one round the back of the ear," said Francis.

"It was a bit of fun really but the fourth official saw it differently.

"I should sit in the stands more often as we scored soon afterwards."

Bradford's manager Nicky Law was more than pleased with a point. He said: "Our performance epitomises the spirit at the club. The lads haven't been paid for 17 weeks but they could be paid at any time now." The Bantams looked odds on to go out of business until a rescue package was secured last week but they showed no signs of nerves as they confidently held the home side.

Although Palace enjoyed the majority of possession it was Bradford who opened the scoring 14 minutes from time, only for Tony Popovic to head an equaliser for the home side three minutes later.

An indifferent first half saw the occasional action, the best chance falling to Dougie Freedman in the 19th minute.

After latching on to a long ball from defence, the Palace striker swept past Bradford goalkeeper Gary Walsh but his shot was headed over the crossbar by Andy Myers.