BOLTON defender Tal Ben Haim was today cleared of a Football Association charge for allegedly over-reacting to being shoved in the face by Wayne Rooney.
Rooney was banned for three matches after admitting a charge of violent conduct following their clash at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
Although the FA charged Ben Haim with improper conduct for his reaction to the incident, he denied the accusation and requested a personal hearing, at which he was cleared today.
Ben Haim is clear to face Fulham in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Manager Sam Allardyce said: 'I am very pleased with this decision. We were always confident.'
Ben Haim attended today's hearing to give evidence along with referee Dermot Gallagher, whose view would be expected to have carried considerable weight with the independent commission.
The FA's website, www.thefa.com, revealed: 'At a disciplinary commission hearing, the charge of improper conduct against Bolton Wanderers defender Tal Ben Haim was found to be not proven.
'The charge related to an incident involving Wayne Rooney during the match at Old Trafford on December 26.'
Bolton had previously vigorously contested the charge against the 22-year-old Israeli international defender following their 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
Allardyce had argued: 'Ben Haim has not done anything wrong and he has not broken any rules. The rules say that you can't put your hands up in somebody's face, no matter how small or how big.'
Sir Alex Ferguson had nevertheless claimed the FA's disciplinary procedures were 'flawed and immoral', following their decision to hit Rooney with a three-match ban while also charging Ben Haim.
'The violent conduct charge bemuses me, because every man and his dog would agree it was not violent conduct. If it is violent conduct why are they charging Ben Haim? I can't understand it,' said the Scot.
'If it is violent conduct Ben Haim should not be charged. He is being charged, so they therefore believe that he is guilty of diving and bringing the game into disrepute.'
Did the FA get the decision right? Have your say.
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man utd players don't dive do they not?
Football is a contact sport, but shoving someone in the face is violent conduct, whether on the pitch or off.
Rooney needs to watch his temper. Then mr ferguson won't need to make so many excuses for him.
So much for the FA clamping down on cheats and divers. Rooney slightly touched Haim's face and he grossly exaggerated the incident to try to get him sent off. I watched Haim arguing with the referee who was telling him to get up, this went on for a couple of minutes. Rooney gets a three game ban for raising his hand but Haim escapes punishment for cheating. I hope he doesn't go out on windy days, a slight gust and he'll be blown over!