Morgan Avoids FA Punishment

Last updated : 25 November 2008 By Alastair Limb (tykesmad)
Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan has been amazingly cleared of any wrong doing by the FA following the sickening elbow that left Reds' striker Iain Hume in a critical condition in hospital.

Morgan's elbow fractured Hume's skull and caused internal bleeding which ultimately could have killed the Reds frontman who has since been re-admitted to hospital as a precaution following complaints of him feeling unwell.

An FA Statement read:

"THE FA has confirmed that no disciplinary action will be taken against Sheffield United defender Chris Morgan with relation to a challenge on Barnsley's Iain Hume.

Morgan was booked for the challenge during the match at Oakwell on 8 November.

An FA spokesman said: "When judging whether to take disciplinary action in this case, The FA has had to consider the challenge itself and not the outcome of it.

"The FA has been given express direction from FIFA that we cannot upgrade yellow cards to red. On this basis, we can only bring additional charges in the most exceptional cases and only if it can be proved beyond doubt that the actions of a player were a deliberate attempt to injure an opponent.

"Having reviewed all available evidence in this case, including submissions made by Barnsley, there is no basis on which an additional charge could brought."

In response, the Club issued a statement saying:

"BARNSLEY Football Club has been notified of the decision of The Football Association that no further action will be taken in relation to the challenge made by Chris Morgan on Iain Hume in the 31st minute of Barnsley's match against Sheffield United on 8 November 2008.

Barnsley Football Club is extremely disappointed and concerned that the FA has failed to take any action regarding the violent conduct of Chris Morgan which left Iain Hume requiring emergency hospital treatment for a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain.The decision by the FA to disconnect a violent act from its consequences runs contrary to the principles of civil and criminal law.

It reflects badly on football that the only action which the FA has thought fit to take was to charge Barnsley Football Club's manager with misconduct in relation to alleged verbal abuse towards a match official whilst violent conduct has gone unpunished.

The FA's failure to act has let Iain Hume down badly and the only option now remaining is for recourse outside of the normal football processes."

An absolute disgrace, I'm sure you'll agree. Lets hope justice is done when the Club brings in the lawyers.