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

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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

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