"The club regards disorder at football matches with abhorrence. The club disagrees with the conclusion of the FAW in relation to the pitch encroachment charge, but welcomes being cleared of the missile-throwing charge.

"The level of fine, below the protocol level, demonstrates, we believe, the value the commission must have put on the performance of Cardiff City's stewards on the day."

FAW Secretary-General David Collins read out the statement outlining the findings of the hearing.

"We recognise the efforts Cardiff City have made over the last few years in attempting to rid itself of the small hooligan element among its support.

"However, the panel, in its consideration of the evidence, has found Cardiff City guilty of misconduct with regard to the encroachment and violent behaviour of a number of its fans.

"With regard to the charge of missile throwing, the panel found the club not guilty as it believed Cardiff had done everything in its power to eliminate this problem.

"We have fined Cardiff City £20,000. They have also been instructed to publish in every one of its match programmes for 2002-03 a half-page warning notice.