Tonight:
9°c
Bans for bad tackles could be increased
05.08.09
Football chiefs have cracked down on bad tackles with the launch of new guidelines which could see bans increased for red-carded players.
In the past, a straight dismissal has meant a three-match ban but the Football Association disciplinary panel can now "in truly exceptional cases" increase a punishment. If the penalty is deemed too harsh, the panel can reduce it.
An FA statement said: "The same factors will be taken into account when considering whether the standard punishment is insufficient - including intent, force and injury."
After Arsenal striker Eduardo broke his leg in a challenge with Martin Taylor last year, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger said the Birmingham defender should have received a longer ban.
Reader views (2)
I very sincerely welcome this development. The severity of the tackle, the recklessness, the resulting damage should be compensated by longer ban with financial loss to the player i.e. nominal sum equal to percentage of injured player's wages for period of absence. An unintentional foul leading to a straight red will have a more lenient one or two game ban and a stupid tackle can have any number up to ten games. This is definitely a step in the right direction. In Scotland hooliganism on the pitch is a criminal offence and can lead to jail term (Duncan Fergusson can vouch for that). Hurrah!!FA, hurrah UEFA, hurrah FIFA.
- Sorie Kamara, London, UK
i don't think these new laws will do any good. for starters, how will they judge intent based on replays? it's a subjective thing, no consistency will be had with the various panels.
- Chris, United Kingdom
