Football
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FA charges Leyton Orient president Becchetti after kicking incident

Leyton Orient club president Francesco Becchetti has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association.

The charge follows an incident with O's assistant manager Andy Hessenthaler after the 3-2 Boxing Day victory over Portsmouth.

Television cameras captured an exchange between Becchetti, who had taken a seat behind the dugout at the Matchroom Stadium, and Hessenthaler, after which the Italian made his way on to the pitch and appeared to aim a kick at coach Ian Hendon's number two.

It is alleged Becchetti's behaviour amounts to violent and/or improper conduct and he has until 6 p.m. on Jan. 4 to respond to the charge.

The club had issued a statement on Sunday playing down the incident, saying: "Mr Becchetti and Mr Hessenthaler would like to clarify the reports in the media following the Boxing Day game.

"The event reported in the media was very much in good humour for both the president and assistant manager and part of an ongoing and good natured exchange between the two over the past few weeks.

"There was absolutely nothing untoward about the exchange and the two men get along very well professionally on the pitch and personally off the pitch.

"Mr Becchetti and Mr Hessenthaler were extremely pleased with the result of the game and were celebrating a very well deserved and exciting win."

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