Some of you may remember my first article for this website. I called for action from the FA when regarding racism as previously nothing has been done. Now it seems times may have changed, but with the hefty 8 match ban being heaved upon Liverpool’s Luis Suarez the club itself may struggle and fall off the pace due to losing their key player. Is this action fair, or is it too much?
It all depends on later action in my opinion, if this is the action that the FA sanction following a guilty verdict or racist behaviour then that’s fine and I salute them. However, if punishments vary or they are not as strict in future then it just begs more questions for our governing body. The case of Suarez is difficult as well, it is Evra’s word against his and the FA need to be careful before listening to one over the other. If the FA has got this wrong then I’m sure there will be serious implications.
I believe the FA should take a leaf from the Scottish Football Association, where a verdict is delivered as guilty, not guilty or not proven. In the case in question I don’t think it can be proven that Suarez said what was claimed, although he does admit to some but claiming ignorance which is obviously not an excuse. The not proven verdict doesn’t punish the player and doesn’t let them off freely, which is why it could be perfect in certain situations. Previous not proven decisions would be taken into consideration if the same player was then called into a separate hearing later on.
The FA will also, in my opinion, need to punish John Terry. The crown prosecution service announced that the England captain will be charged for his conduct, although an ultimate decision and outcome will take a while due to court procedures. The FA needs to act now and can only find him guilty. If the governments officials think so then who are the FA to overrule? Terry needs to receive the same punishment that was handed out to Luis Suarez or else it will seem they are being too lenient on their own players. Further action may also suffice for John Terry. The case is a lot more clear cut than Suarez as television cameras provide evidence on what was said. Terry may argue it was in a different context but it’s not a good enough excuse. You still tell a small child off for swearing even if they have just repeated something they have heard.
If found guilty, Terry should be stripped of the England captaincy. In this day and age you cannot have a player that has been charged of racial behaviour as captain for a country like England. I’m not just saying this as it’s John Terry, my opinion would be the same no matter who was in question. Exclusion from the England squad may also work too, but not completely, although I do think it’s time for England to embrace the youth but that is a different matter.
To clarify, yes the ban given to Suarez is large. Yes, he is the first to receive this sort of ban. If the FA continue with the actions they handed out at later dates it’s all fine. Consistency is the key and the Football Association needs to stay heavy handed, not backing down and doing what is right.
Like what you read? Follow me on Twitter: @Challies11
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.