I'd mentioned the Ben Thatcher case - "I understand your frustration but each case is judged on its individual merits - it is impossible to say that one such case is the direct parallel of another, so I do not see that the inconsistency which you perceive can rightly be called a fault in the process. In disciplinary cases the FA use independent panels whose members are drawn from various lists comprising, for example, former players and managers. I am sorry but the Ombudsman cannot investigate this matter. However, the Ombudsman and I will be meeting the FA next week to review the first few months of the Ombudsman system and we will raise with them the sort of complaints which we have received, in particular the disquiet over the judgement in this case. Thank you for taking the time to raise this with the Ombudsman." His name is Alan Watson (Deputy Ombudsman) contact@theifo.co.uk
