Manchester United are considering an appeal after Patrice Evra
was slapped with a four-match ban over the 'Battle of Stamford
Bridge' clash.
When a charge of using racist abuse was originally levelled at
Chelsea's groundsman, Sam Bethell, amid the post-match furore at
Stamford Bridge on April 26, it was felt Evra would use it as
justification for his over-the-top reaction.
Instead, with the FA finding there were no grounds to uphold the
charge, which had been transferred to Chelsea anyway after it was
decided the governing body had no jurisdiction over an employee,
Evra has been left with no defence for his actions and been
punished accordingly.
As he is already due to miss the December 13 visit to Tottenham
after picking up his fifth booking of the season in last week's
Manchester derby, Evra will miss almost a month of domestic action
before he can return against, of all clubs, Chelsea at Old Trafford
on January 11.
"Manchester United notes the announcement from the FA and is
disappointed with the decision and in particular considers the
sanctions against Patrice Evra excessive," said a club
statement.
"Manchester United and Patrice will consider all options once there
has been an opportunity to digest the full reasons for the
decision."
Given the strength of feeling immediately after the game, when
chief executive David Gill rejected a request from Chelsea to issue
a statement saying there had been no problem, it is difficult to
envisage United just accepting Evra's punishment without a
fight.
The France full-back and assistant manager Mike Phelan were among
those called to give evidence at the two-day hearing. But it seems
to have done Evra little good, as he has also been fined
£15,000.
Chelsea have been fined £25,000 because of Bethell's conduct.
This is stupid... now I noe y they are called the FA ->
Fuking Assholes