THE WRONG VICTIM?

DAVID THOMPSON'S verbal attack on Matt Elliott provoked a huge backlash from Leicester boss Peter Taylor, but with video evidence appearing to show the 31-year-old centre back elbowing Coventry's Craig Bellamy, Opta question whether Elliott is really the victim in this instance.

The Leicester defender is well known for his uncompromising style and has, if anything, been the subject of some lenient refereeing this term. Elliott has received just a single booking despite conceding 19 free kicks. Of all the top-flight's defenders, only Everton's David Weir has seen fewer cards for as many fouls.

It was the same story last term. Elliott committed 62 fouls in the Premiership, but picked up a mere two bookings - less than any defender who had conceded as many or more fouls.

But although the former Oxford player seems to escape censure on pitch, since joining the Foxes in 1997, the bustling centre-back has still landed in hot water with footballing authorities on a number of occasions.

An almost identical elbowing incident involving Michael Owen just over a year ago saw the Scotland international receive a one match suspension from the FA committee and he has also had disciplinary trouble at international level.

Elliott was dismissed soon after starting his international career, after slapping an opponent during an away fixture in the Faroe Islands.

It was to prove a costly sending off, as Scotland conceded a late equaliser to the international minnows and Elliott was later given a five match suspension by UEFA, which has hampered his prospects with Craig Brown's side ever since.

If found guilty of his latest spat, Elliott could face a lengthy ban from the FA, which would clearly harm Leicester's prospects this term.

But rather than blaming Thompson for his outburst, perhaps Elliott should concentrate on eradicating these incidents from his game, as they have clearly been detrimental to his career in the long run.