FRANCK QUEUDRUE escaped a three-match ban yesterday when an FA disciplinary commission cleared the Middlesbrough defender of "violent behaviour''.

Queudrue, accompanied by manager Steve McClaren and chief executive Keith Lamb, attended a personal hearing in Manchester to answer the charge arising from his clash with Southampton's Kevin Phillips in Boro's 1-0 win at St. Mary's in September.

Phillips was sent off and banned for three matches for aiming a retaliatory kick at Queudrue after the Frenchman appeared to tread on the former Sunderland striker's leg as they tangled on the touchline.

Although referee Barry Knight took no action against Queudrue, he admitted in his match report that he was "concerned'' he had missed the incident that triggered Phillips'furious response.

The matter was referred to the FA's video advisory panel, who recommended Queudrue should be charged.

But an independent commission yesterday ruled that the case against the 25-year-old left-back "could not be proven''.

McClaren, who fined Queudrue for missing the first five games of the season after being sent off three times last season, has nevertheless stood by him over the Phillips affair.

''We're delighted with the outcome,'' said McClaren. ''We had a very fair hearing and Franck being cleared fully vindicates our stance from the very start.

''It has been a worrying time for Franck since he was charged, but he can now get on with his football.

''He has been in excellent form for us this season and his disciplinary record has been exemplary. In fact, he has not received any yellow cards this season.''

Queudrue has vowed to clean up his act, but insists he isn't a "dirty player''.

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