McManaman, whose studs-up challenge on Newcastle United full-back Haïdara failed to result in any action by referee Mark Halsey during Wigan Athletic’s 2-1 win at the DW Stadium on Sunday, has escaped a violent conduct charge due to the FA being unable to take retrospective action as the incident was seen at the time by linesman Matthew Wilkes.Newcastle United, along with other clubs, have had players suspended for incidents reviewed after the game. Whilst not trivialising these incidents, they were not, in our opinion, of the seriousness of Callum McManaman’s tackle on Haïdara. Such was the ferocity of McManaman’s challenge which has left Haïdara facing further scans to assess possible ligament damage, Newcastle assistant manager John Carver and Wigan coach Graham Barrow were involved in a half-time confrontation that has resulted in both men being charged with misconduct following their dismissal by Halsey.Whilst we understand that the current procedures give the FA limited options, it cannot be correct that the most serious offences – those which have the potential to cause another player serious harm – can go unpunished, even if the original incident was seen by match officials.McManaman’s reprieve has prompted an angry response from St James’ Park, with Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias delivering a withering criticism of the FA’s disciplinary unit. “It is clear from this decision that the current disciplinary procedures are not fit for purpose, Llambias said.
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