Consistency, that’s all we ask for from the FA.
The governing body of English football, much like referees, are not perfect and we accept they are falliable like the rest of us.
But at least be consistent.
Troy Deeny has avoided a ban for his middle-finger celebration against Chelsea on Monday night.
The bullish Watford forward broke the deadlock from the penalty spot before flipping off the Vicarage Road crowd.
A three-man panel failed to agree on whether his action merited a retrospective red card.
Deeney, who has already served three and four-match bans this season, has been issued a written warning regarding his future conduct.
This decision seems contradictory to the two-game ban Jack Wilshere received for swearing at Man City fans in 2013.
An FA spokesperson said on Twitter: “Watford’s Troy Deeney will not face any formal action following his goal celebration during the game against Chelsea on Monday [05/02/18].
“Video footage was referred to a panel of three former elite match officials who were asked to consider independently whether it was a red card offence.
“The response was not unanimous, therefore, no disciplinary action will follow. Nevertheless, The FA will write to the player and warn him as to his future conduct.”
Given that Deeney has already tried to choke the life out of Joe Allen this season, a warning seems very generous.
Either the FA are admitting they were wrong to ban Wilshere, or they believe the two incidents to be totally different.
Dele Alli was banned for one international game by FIFA for jokingly swearing at team-mate Kyle Walker last year.
Deeney’s middle-finger salute was clearly more provocative than the Spurs midfielder’s gesture and while it’s true that the FA and FIFA have separate guidelines, the end result is a mixed message towards the players.
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