Emmanuel : Shafted Part 1

The FA today fast-tracked a 3-match ban for Emmanuel Abebayor for violent conduct. The striker will now miss Man Yoo away, the Carling Cup tie against Fulham and the home Premiership game against the Hammers.

The ban is for stamping on Robin van Persie during the Saturday encounter with the Gooners. Adebayor's foot made contact with the arse's face. The referee didn't see it however. Mark Clattenburg was right next to the incident, looking in the direction of the said offence, but repeat, he didn't see it. Neither did his assistants. Very odd.

While Adebayor's stamp was unpleasant and should be chargeable, the FA is inconsistent to say the least with its procedure of retrospective punishment. What about other recent incidents of controversy? Punches, elbows, headbutts and foulmouthed abuse have all occurred and are commonplace, but they're continually overlooked so in effect deemed legal. All we want is consistency and an even playing field.

Coming soon..... Emmanuel : Shafted Part 2. The FA will decide the punishment of Adebayor after he dared celebrate his goal on the field of play in a spot of his choice. OK, so he ran the length of the pitch to enjoy the moment in the vicinity of the away support, but no one asked a minority of Arsenal supporting dimwits to chant vile abuse, hurl objects and assault stewards. No way should they be allowed to escape a ban for their disgusting behaviour, but escape the wrath of the police and of their club they probably will. And is there any mention in the press of van Persie screaming expletives in the direction of City fans after scoring his equaliser? Of course not as the City fans didn't 'riot' so the papers had no desire to report enthusiastically on this unsavory event. The ref didn't see that particular incident and the FA were looking the other way. Or did we just imagine it?

Let it be known that the FA board of directors includes Ian Watmore (Chief Executive and Arsenal supporter) and David Gill (Man Yoo's Chief Executive). Would it be unfair to say that it's in the interest of these men that Ade's punishment be both severe and prompt?

So we go into the Man Yoo game without the services Adebayor and Robinho. Tevez is also likely to be missing. Victory is therefore gonna taste even sweeter!

ManTwitty.