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Lack of Callum McManaman ban disappoints Derek Llambias

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 19 March 2013

Managing director Derek Llambias slams the decision not to punish Callum McManaman for the challenge that he committed on Newcastle United's Massadio Haidara.

Newcastle United's managing director Derek Llambias has expressed the club's disappointment upon learning that Callum McManaman will face no punishment for his challenge on Massadio Haidara at the weekend.

Wigan Athletic winger McManaman caught his Newcastle counterpart Haidara on the knee with his studs at the DW Stadium - a challenge that referee Mark Halsey failed to see. As a result, it was expected that retrospective action would be taken against 21-year-old McManaman by the Football Association.

However, the governing body confirmed this afternoon that one of Halsey's official had seen the incident, which in turn has meant that no suspension can be given to the Wigan player.

"We are disappointed to learn that the FA is not going to charge the Wigan player. We were first notified of this decision by a national media outlet who received notification from the FA confirming the decision. This was prior to anyone from the FA having the courtesy to contact the club to let us know," Llambias said in a statement on the club's official website.

"It is clear from this decision that the current disciplinary procedures are not fit for purpose. Newcastle United, along with other clubs, have had players suspended for incidents reviewed after the game. Whilst not trivialising these incidents, they were not, in our opinion, of the seriousness of Callum McManaman's tackle on Haidara.

"While we understand that the current procedures give the FA limited options, it cannot be correct that the most serious offences - those which have the potential to cause another player serious harm - can go unpunished, even if the original incident was seen by match officials."

Llambias went on to add that Newcastle would now seek a meeting with the FA to discuss alternative disciplinary procedures.

"We will now be making a strong representation to the FA and the Premier League to see how a more appropriate, fair and even-handed disciplinary process can be introduced at the earliest opportunity to prevent incidents of this nature going unpunished in the future."

Haidara, who has had a scan on his knee, is believed to have suffered ligament damage.