Bellamy: Escapes punishment
After Craig Bellamy’s vile behaviour towards a Manchester United fan who had invaded the pitch in the wake of United’s late, late winner against City, I had expressed my hope over a relatively heavy punishment being handed out to him. It was foolish for Jake Clarke to have let his emotions get the better of him. However, it was downright inexcusable for Bellamy to have unleashed an unprovoked attack on him seeing as the stewards already seemed to have the situation under control. Out of sheer bitterness, Mark Hughes and his assistant Mark Bowen had rushed to defend Bellamy claiming that it was the fan who was in the wrong and Bellamy’s actions were somehow defensive. It seems the FA has taken the same delusional view and has decided to leave the Welshman with just a warning. With the FA’s obsession with proper fan conduct, the decision could have been seen coming.
“In relation to Craig Bellamy the match referee has confirmed that he would not have sent the player off had he seen the incident with the fan at the time. Craig Bellamy will be contacted by the FA and warned as to his future conduct. The FA would repeat its previous advice that players should not become involved with or approach fans in such circumstances.”
Gary Neville’s passionate outburst after our winner had also received its fair share of criticism. As a supporter of United, I can safely say that I am proud of my captain. Could you have visualized a certain John Terry or a certain Stevie Me running around like a ‘lunatic’ after being left on the bench in one of the most important matches of the season simply because their team had nicked the tie with a late late goal? I don’t think so. However, Neville’s behaviour was a little provocative and hence a certain amount of criticism was warranted. At the same time, a penalty would have been taking it a bit too far. Quite justly, the FA has let Neville off with a warning only.
“Gary Neville has been reminded of his responsibilities following his actions after Manchester United’s final goal deep into injury time.”
The coin hurling incident, where a coin intended for Carlos Tevez hit Javier Garrido instead, has also been let off with the FA leaving it to United to identify the culprit and hand him/her with an appropriate ban. Jake Clarke is also expected to be banned from attending matches at Old Trafford for some time after his actions. Pretty harsh for the young lad, I must say.
