There are countless reasons why Marouane Fellaini’s abjectly stupid act of head-butting Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross in the second-half of Everton’s draw at the Britannia stadium is deserving of condemnation.
If referee Mark Halsey had spotted the Belgian’s indiscretion the Toffees would have been left a man light, trying to cling to a draw at one of the Premier League’s more formidable venues. With Halsey having not seen the incident, Fellaini will be subject to disciplinary action by the F.A., with the best case scenario for the midfielder and his club being a costly three match ban.
The absence of such a pivotal player will be felt even more keenly than usual by David Moyes and his team, coming as it does at a crucial and hectic period of the season, and with another key component in Everton’s strong showing to date this term, Kevin Mirallas, due to spend more time on the sidelines with a niggling hamstring problem.
Felliaini’s fantastic form in a forward role since the first day of this campaign when he terrorised Manchester United and scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the Blues, has brought him to national prominence and consequently led to frenzied rumour-mongering regarding his future. The 25 year-old makes little secret of his belief in his own ability and desire to play Champions League football.
As he enters the golden years of his career, Fellaini’s desire to parade his undoubted talents on the highest stage is understandable, but for now he owes the club who were prepared to pay a (still) club record £15m for a then, raw and inexperienced 20 year-old from Standard Liege. That outlay was a huge sum for Everton, and in particular Moyes, a manager who can ill-afford to err when making such a considerable purchase.
Initially, it was unclear what Moyes had detected in Fellaini that made him willing to take such a lofty gamble. As he settled into the English game however, it soon became clear that the midfielder was blessed with all the qualities required to dominate matches against the strongest of opponents. Fellaini’s ability was often overlooked due to his striking appearance and ungainly stature, but within the confines of Goodison Park the extent of his capabilities was fully understood.
After a string of exceptional performances during the past four months to which; Fulham, Sunderland, Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as United, will testify, the secret is out. There are few – if any – sides in Europe who would not be improved by Fellaini’s unique presence.
Nevertheless, for now, he is playing for a club with very real Champions League ambitions of their own to which he is a central figure. Everton have given Fellaini the platform to develop at the forefront of the game, and retained their faith in the player through any previous disciplinary or injury troubles – indeed awarding him a hefty five-year contract in November last year.
The Belgian has more than upheld his side of the bargain, continuing to flourish and contributing a great deal towards the upsurge in fortunes and aspirations at Goodison. This week though, as he has admitted himself, Fellaini has let down the club’s supporters and his team-mates – not to mention his manager.
It could be that the short-term suffering with which Everton will have to cope in Fellaini’s enforced absence will be eased if the Belgian’s conscience has been pricked to the extent that he believes he is obliged to remain on Merseyside at least beyond the January transfer window. The value of his presence is such that it would markedly increase the likelihood of Everton playing Champions League football next year.
Could one act of idiocy, yet have the most positive long-term impact on a club’s fortunes imaginable?
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