Morgan escapes FA rap : From the Star

Morgan escapes FA rap

November 2008
By James Shield
THE FOOTBALL Association plan to take no further action against Chris Morgan following the incident during last weekend's South Yorkshire derby at Oakwell which left Barnsley striker Iain Hume nursing a fractured skull, The Star can confirm.
Officials at Soho Square are understood to have arrived at their decision after consulting senior figures within the game, including former referees, about whether there was a need to invoke special powers against the Sheffield United captain.

Morgan, who was cautioned by referee Andy D'Urso, has been the subject of intense media speculation since it was revealed that Hume was taken to hospital after a match which United won 2-1 with Barnsley manager Simon Davey particularly outspoken in his criticism of the United centre-half.

It has been suggested in some quarters that a clash between Ben Thatcher and Pedro Mendes in August 2006, which saw the former Manchester City full-back receive an eight match ban, had set a precedent for the FA to act.

But a spokesman for the governing body told this newspaper: "As people will be aware there are only very limited and exceptional circumstances where we can intervene, particularly after a caution has already been issued.

"But we have canvassed a wide variety of expert opinion on this incident and while, it is fair to say, most felt that it was a red card offence, the challenge itself could not be described as exceptional.

"In the case of Mendes and Thatcher, that clearly was exceptional which is why we took certain steps."

The spokesman added: "We have to be dispassionate and cannot be swayed or influenced, however harsh it that might sound, by the injury a player suffers.

"Otherwise we would find ourselves in a situation where a horrendous tackle is made, the other player walks away from it unscathed and then we could do nothing."

News that Morgan is unlikely to face further sanction, at least from the FA, will be welcomed by United as they prepare for Saturday's visit of Reading.

Despite refusing to comment publicly on the matter - other than to express concern and sympathy for Hume's predicament - some within Bramall Lane have spoken privately of their irritation at what they perceive has been a deliberate attempt to smear the reputation of one of their senior professionals.

Hume was discharged from the high dependancy unit of a Manchester hospital earlier this week but Davey has insisted Barnsley could yet take legal action; although it remains clear whether that threat is directed against United, the player himself or both.

Meanwhile, Barnsley supporters have set-up an online petition calling for South Yorkshire Police to investigate the matter.

 

Scared of setting a precedent.

Weak little men.

 

some within Bramall Lane have spoken privately of their irritation ..........................

at what they perceive has been a deliberate attempt to smear the reputation of one of their senior professionals. </p>

REPUTATION??? Poor old Chris Morgan how dare they?
</p>

 

Predictable

what surprises me more is how people seemed shocked that Radio Sheffield are protecting their own. I can tell you now, Giddings, Bennett et al will be cockahoop and will sanctamoniously be telling you that tonight at 6.

 

"the challenge itself could not be described as exceptional."

I'm sorry FA, what do you class as exceptional? Holding him and repeatedly thumping him?

FFS no wonder people are disillusioned with football with w@nkers like these in charge!!

(Apologies for bad language)

 

RE: Predictable

I wouldn't necessarily agree.</p>

Giddings might though sithi.
</p>

 

Demands on here

to sort out 'differences' so we can get decent local radio coverage again. Howd you like them apples now?

 

It must be me

Because over the Morgan incident I think Radio Sheff have been fair.</p>

I heard Giddings make a comment about Davey which he wants snotting for and going back to 'the likes of Marc Richards' I have no love for that crew at all, but on this issue I don't think we can complain.
</p>

 

RE: "the challenge itself could not be described as exceptional."

this just shows what a spineless organisation the f.a are. if they dont view it as exeptional then is this the 'norm' in there eyes?!! more like, were a little championship side and dont really warrant the time and effort of an investigation and justice.If that elbow had of landed on the skull of a man utd/chelsea/liv etc player then there would be hell on.

 

How often have we heard people say that a player will be seriously hurt...

If the FA and referees aren't stronger when punishing this kind of thing.

Well, someone has been seriously hurt, and Morgan has got away with nearly fracturing a man's skull because the ref and the FA had no balls.

 

It's not exceptional as it's not in the Premier League or one of the big teams within the Championship. What else did anyone expect?

F.ck em.

Day before Sheff U match get David Batty, Norman Hunter & Vinny Jones out of retirement and f.ck the lot up.

 

If i'm honest i didn't expect them to do anything anyway.

The best Iain can hope for, if he wishes to pursue a complaint, is through a civil hearing.

 

thats B*ll*cks. Big hairy ones. it was a premeditated assult. Not a challenge.

 

"Challenge."

</p>

Unbelieveable.</p>

 

I stopped listening

as you know, after one of their executives came to Oakwell and laid down the law on what Barnsley could expect commercially from any ongoing relationship ie a shafting. So shouldnt really comment, but I will. Broadcast and managed by Blades or Owls fans, one and all.

In the current climate of helping alleviate the impact of the recession on ordinary families, I'm hoping Gordon de-regulates the BBC and abolishes the license fee. There#s £15 a month saved and wouldnt skip a beat.

 

RE: I stopped listening

BBC stopped being a public service broadcaster when it decided to make left of centre politics its driving force.</p>

If it wants to be in the market, open it up to market forces. The fact we pay Chris Moyles wages is enough.
</p>

 

Why is Morgan....

.....performing a Nazi salute in the pictureWindy?

 

Having "challenged" Iain Hume he's lining up to head the ball which will be arriving shortly. nt

 

RE: Morgan escapes FA rapbut Drogba gets investigated for throwing an object last night DOUBLE STAND

 

RE: Having "challenged" Iain Hume he's lining up to head the ball which will be arriving shortly. nt

except to be fair, he does this after he has headed the ball.