The FA have shown the rest of England just how they prioritise their disciplinary procedures by banning the City man for two games, but suspended his sentence until December 2010.
It is a clear case of one rule for one, one rule for the rest after Robin van Persie, guilty of a foul-mouthed tirade at the City supporters after he scored for Arsenal in the same game and Gary Neville, who raced along the touchline to celebrate in front of the City fans, both got away with being warned about their future conduct.
The FA’s decision could now set precedence for the return of football hooligans, who have now been given a clear signal that if a player celebrates a goal in front of them all the supporters have to do to get that player banned is to start a riot. For those who doubt, look at the incidents in full.
Robin van Persie:
Scores for Arsenal, shouts abuse including four letter words at City fans. No reaction from impeccable blues supporters.
Result:
Warning about future conduct
Gary Neville:
Celebrates last minute winner against City in derby. Runs the length of the touchline to celebrate in front of City supporters. No reaction again from blues fans.
Result:
Warning about future conduct
Emmanuel Adebayor
Scores against Arsenal. Runs length of pitch and celebrates in front of Arsenal fans. Arsenal fans react by trying to get onto the pitch and throw objects at the player.
Result:
£25,000 fine and a two match ban suspended for fourteen months.
It just goes to show that the reaction of supporters actually play a part in the FA’s disciplinary procedures. Had the Arsenal fans not reacted in the manner in which they did, this incident would have been forgotten about in a moment.
But unfortunately the message from the FA is clear. If a player reacts to the crowd and the crowd react in a violent way, the player will be punished.
So well done the FA. Well done for setting the precedence for putting people’s lives at risk and bringing hooliganism back to the sport.
Muppets.