BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has escaped a touchline ban following a meeting with the Football Association's disciplinary commission.

Souness appeared at a hearing yesterday to answer charges of misconduct relating to an incident involving the referee Graham Poll during Rovers' game with Tottenham last November.

But although the Ewood chief was ultimately found guilty, he escaped with a £10,000 fine and a warning about his future conduct.

Souness's lawyers were said to be 'disappointed' with the guilty verdict but there was also a sense of relief at the fact he avoided a ban.

Rovers privately feared Souness would be forced to start next season in the stands after being charged with abusive and insulting language.

Poll originally reported Souness to the FA after the Rovers boss had said 'I didn't know you were a Tottenham supporter' during the game last November.

Souness has always protested his innocence and he recently said he intended the comment as a joke but Mr Poll 'took exception to it'.

Souness has received similar punishments before.

Last August he escaped a five-match touchline ban after pleading guilty to directing foul and abusive language at the referee Matt Messias during a League Cup quarter-final against Wigan Athletic.

On that occasion, he was also fined £10,000 and warned as to his future conduct but avoided a third ban in 18 months.

Meanwhile, Rovers had further talks with Jonathon Douglas's advisers yesterday but the Republic of Ireland international has still to sign a new contract with the club.

Souness wanted an answer earlier this week but the Douglas camp want to seek clarification about a couple of points before they put pen to paper.

Souness was also hoping to hold talks with Tugay today over a new one year contract.

Chief executive John Williams has already spoken to the Turk's representatives and now Souness will sit down with the player in an attempt to thrash out a deal.

Both players should still feature against Birmingham tomorrow as Rovers hope to finish off the season with a win.

A victory could net the club an extra £1 million in revenue as each Premiership place is worth around £500,000.