HAMILTON RICARD will be fined by manager Bryan Robson for helping to talk Middlesbrough out of three points at Maine Road.

The Colombian striker was booked for dissent by referee Stephen Lodge, who then applied the new ten-yard rule to advance the free-kick which led to Manchester City's leveller through Paulo Wanchope.

Boro skipper Paul Ince and left-back Keith O'Neill will also be hit in the pocket after being cautioned for dissent in a niggly game which produced seven bookings.

"Hamilton shouldn't have opened his mouth,'' rapped Boro assistant boss Viv Anderson. "In line with the club's code of discipline, he'll be fined for dissent along with Paul Ince and Keith O'Neill.

"Hamilton didn't apologise - we didn't give him the chance.''

Boro were without flu-hit striker Alen Boksic, midfielder Christian Karembeu and defender Gary Pallister.

Karembeu aggravated a knee injury in the 2-1 home defeat by Everton, a knock he originally sustained while on duty with France, and Pallister failed to shake off a groin strain.

Anderson said: "Hopefully we might have Boksic back for the Worthington Cup tie at home to Macclesfield on Tuesday. Pally trained on Friday, but he wasn't quite ready.

"We're pleased to have come here and got a point, but we weren't happy with our defending.''

City boss Joe Royle insisted his side should have won - and been awarded three penalties.

"The first half was a total non-event - I suspect there were people asleep at half-time,'' said Royle.

"Our keeper, Nicky Weaver, didn't really have a save to make and their goal was just down to a lapse in concentration.

"We gave Gianluca Festa a free header. They came with three centre-backs and I bet they are pleased with the point.

"We had three appeals for blatant penalties, any one of which could have been given.

"I tell my lads not to dive, but what can you do when they are being held back. It's a puzzle.''