Pardew Punishment Could Increase As FA Challenge On The Cards
Interesting to hear news that while Alan Pardew accepted his punishment yesterday, an FA challenge is said to be likely due to the supposed ‘leniency’ of the sentence handed down.
The Newcastle manager was given a seven game punishment with the first three including a total stadium ban on match days, while the other four simply keep Pardew in the stands, rather than on the touchline.
However, the Northern Echo are reporting that the FA are considering an appeal against the independent three man independent panel who decided the suitable punishment for Pardew’s actions, which also included a £60,000 fine and a warning as to the Newcastle manager’s future conduct.
The FA will wait until they read the written report from the panel and that isn’t due to be ready until Friday, when they will then decide whether to challenge their decision.
The FA were also said to be unhappy with the five match Anelka punishment for his ‘quenelle’ gesture but no appeal from the FA was forthcoming on that recent decision.
While in no way defending Pardew’s stupidity in this debacle, I would question what is the point of having an independent panel if the FA are then going to challenge their findings.
While there are undoubtedly more people who would find what Anelka did as far more offensive than Pardew’s non-contact ‘headbutt’. The United boss deserving his punishment for a total lack of class, rather than any physical damage caused.
However, when have the FA ever made any sense with their actions?
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