CADAMARTERI FOUND GUILTY OF ASSAULT

The England Under-21 international had been accused of punching Miss Joeline Joel, who sustained a suspected fractured cheekbone, during a late-night fracas in Liverpool in October last year.

The 12-person jury reached a unanimous verdict after two-and-a-half hours of deliberation, but Judge David Lynch said he would not be imposing a custodial sentence because it was not an unprovoked attack and that sentencing would be deferred for a week.

Cadamarteri admitted he was disappointed with the verdict but happy that the judge recognised he had been provoked.

"Obviously I'm disappointed with the result but pleased the judge has recognised it was not an unprovoked attack but that she had tried to punch me in the face," said Cadamateri outside court.

Everton spokesman Ian Ross admitted that the club would be discussing the situation regarding Cadamateri.

"We have been informed of the court's decision with regard to Danny Cadamarteri," said Ross.

`"The matter will be discussed by the club manager Walter Smith and the board of directors in the very near future.

"`It would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage."