Toon unlikely to sue McManaman

Newcastle are unlikely to sue Wigan striker Callum McManaman for his horror tackle on full-back Massadio Haidara.

Last Updated: 20/03/13 at 17:29 Post Comment

Callum McManaman: Not given a retrospective ban by the FA

Callum McManaman: Not given a retrospective ban by the FA

The 21-year-old escaped punishment for the challenge which left Frenchman Haidara in hospital when the Football Association ruled they could not charge him retrospectively because the incident had been seen by one of the match officials at the time and not deemed worthy of a red card.

It will take a second scan next week to determine the severity of the damage and subsequently how long the 20-year-old will be out of action, but it is understood the club currently has no plans to resort to the courts.

That could, however, still be an option open to the player who, it is understood, is yet to receive an apology.

Haidara as been inundated with messages of support since he left the field on a stretcher and early indications are that his injury may not be as serious as was first feared, or indeed might have been.

But as they await definitive news, Newcastle, who issued a strongly-worded statement from managing director Derek Llambias in the wake of the FA's confirmation, are considering their next move.

Llambias, who described McManaman's challenge as "extremely dangerous", indicated that the club would lobby the FA to change their rules to allow them to take retrospective action against players in similar circumstances with the incident at the DW Stadium falling outside the "exceptional circumstances" of the current arrangements.

One of the avenues open to them is to raise their concerns with the Premier League to prompt a discussion at a meeting of the 20 clubs.

Should the clubs between them agree, they could submit proposals as part of the ongoing consultative process between the game's so-called "stakeholders", the Premier League, the Football League, the Professional Footballers' Association, the League Managers' Association, Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the National Game.

However, the current procedures were agreed and adopted during the last closed-season and like any other rules and regulations, could be changed until the end of the season.

While McManaman was not charged with any offence, Newcastle's assistant manager John Carver and Wigan coach Graham Barrow have until 4pm on Friday to respond to allegations of improper conduct as a result of their respective actions during the aftermath of the incident.

Haidara, on Wednesday afternoon, issued a message of thanks for the support he has received since the weekend via his Twitter account.

He said: "I'm getting better. I want to thank all of you for your messages of support, it really touches me."

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old from Ashington in Northumberland was arrested by police and later issued with a fixed penalty notice after sending a tweet to McManaman.

Northumbria police confirmed the teenager had been arrested on Monday on suspicion of making a malicious communication on Twitter.

Big surprise. [deadpan]
- levi

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer unsure of future as he waits on offer

Mark Schwarzer believes he has done everything in his power to show that he deserves a new deal at Fulham.

Kevin Nolan says Andy Carroll deal not crucial to West Ham

Kevin Nolan does not believe signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal this summer is crucial for West Ham.

Steven Gerrard says Liverpool must strengthen squad to challenge for top four

Steven Gerrard says boss Brendan Rodgers must strengthen the Liverpool squad if they are to challenge for the top four.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved