Former Crawley boss Evans embroiled in new Bantams row (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Former Crawley boss Steve Evans embroiled in new Bradford City row

7:00am Tuesday 29th May 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker , Bradford City Reporter

Controversial manager Steve Evans could face further sanctions as the fall-out from City’s explosive Valley Parade clash with Crawley continues two months on.

Both clubs were hit with Football Association fines for failing to control their players in the March game after five were sent off following a post-match brawl.

Now Evans, who quit Crawley a fortnight later to become Rotherham boss, is set to be investigated for alleged indecent behaviour in front of a female City official.

The Telegraph & Argus understands the alleged incident took place outside the dressing-room area. It happened after referee Iain Williamson had gone in to see both teams and show the red card to the players involved in the melee, including City trio Jon McLaughlin, Andrew Davies and Luke Oliver.

It is also believed that there were other employees from the club nearby who would have seen it take place.

City contacted the Football League, who have since passed on the details to the FA. They are waiting to find out if the matter will be taken further.

Director Roger Owen said: “The football club can confirm that a complaint has been made to the appropriate authorities following an incident at Valley Parade after the game with Crawley Town on March 27.

“We understand that the authorities will determine what action, if any, they are going to take.

“The matter is now out of the hands of Bradford City and we have no further comment to make.” Should the FA decide to take action, Evans could be left facing an uncertain future.

The 49-year-old Glaswegian has a chequered past in the game and was suspended for 20 months in 2003 following an investigation into alleged irregularities in player contracts when he was manager of Boston United.

Then in 2006 he was handed a 12-month suspended jail sentence after admitting tax evasion. Evans has also been fined by the FA because of his behaviour at games.

He took Crawley into the Football League and then steered them towards immediate promotion. But despite his success, Evans was not thought to be a popular character at the club.

A video was released on Youtube shortly after he had left for Rotherham showing a group of players, led by former Bantams winger Scott Neilson, doing a celebration dance.

Several at City pointed the finger at Evans’ touchline antics at Valley Parade for stirring up the situation which led to the fracas in the centre circle.

City were later fined £9,000 by an FA disciplinary panel at Wembley while Crawley’s punishment was doubled because it was their second offence in the space of 12 months.

When contacted yesterday, Crawley said they would not be making any comment. The FA confirmed they are aware of the incident and are looking into it.

Rotherham have also declined to say anything.