Paul Heckingbottom, Preston North End and Peter Murphy have been sanctioned for misconduct following the recent EFL Championship fixtures against Watford and Blackburn Rovers.
Following a hearing, an independent Regulatory Commission found that during half time of the fixture against Watford on Tuesday 21 January 2025, Paul Heckingbottom acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards a match official around the tunnel area.
The independent Regulatory Commission subsequently issued Paul Heckingbottom with a two-match suspension from the touchline, as well as a £7,500 fine and a warning regarding his future conduct.
It was also alleged that, upon completion of the fixture against Blackburn Rovers on Friday 31 January 2025, Preston North End failed to ensure that its players and technical area occupants did not behave in an improper manner. It was further alleged that during the same period, Peter Murphy acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the match official, leading to his dismissal.
Both the club and coach admitted the charges. Subsequently, an independent Regulatory Commission fined Preston North End £6,750, while Peter Murphy was fined £1,000 and given a one-match touchline ban.
The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the Preston North End and Paul Heckingbottom decisions can be read below.
