Lack of Guthrie justice highlights structural incompetence

Every footballer gets frustrated, especially when he's losing. We're all aware that things are boiling over at Newcastle United. Kevin Keegan's second departure tipped supporters over the edge, sparking a protest against the so-called 'Cockney Mafia' which, in turn, appears to have driven owner Mike Ashley out after what seems like five minutes in charge.

But it got worse. On Saturday, flying Premier League new-boys Hull City came to town and gave United a lesson in football. With turmoil poisoning the air on Tyneside and United stinking the place out on the pitch, Newcastle's Danny Guthrie lost his rag. Guthrie's 'challenge' on Hull's Craig Fagan was a sickeningly petulant attack, and scans showed later that Fagan has suffered a broken leg as a result. He's out for three months.

Referee Andre Marriner showed Guthrie a red card for the offence, and the Football Association was asked to consider extending his ban, given the violent and unnecessary nature of his swipe at Fagan.

Hull, and manager Phil Brown, were understandably furious about the incident. Brown opined angrily that the three match ban received by Guthrie was not sufficient, and he's absolutely right. But events since the extent of the injury became clear have left a very sour taste and raised questions about the ability of the authorities to impose sanctions correctly through their cock-eyed view of the game.


In the same week as rescinding a red card for England skipper John Terry after he rugby tackled Manchester City's Jo, the collective known only as 'they' announced that they would not be taking any further action against Danny Guthrie for breaking Fagan's leg. One can only assume 'they' took into account Guthrie's apology to Fagan and decided on leniency. I really don't think that's appropriate.

Rob Parker at Soccerlens called for the other extreme, arguing that Guthrie should have been banned for as long as it took Fagan to recover. Increasingly, this view is being aired as the only solution to what seems like a rise in the number of shocking tackles in English football. Let's be honest, it has to be stopped somehow.

The real worry for football is that its total lack of will/ability to dish out justice appropriately might lead to clubs and players taking external legal action against offenders. It's already been mentioned in the Guthrie/Fagan case, and if tackles like Guthrie's are punished only by three matches on the sidelines, it won't be the last time legal action is considered. Football really doesn't need that at the moment.

(Photo Credits: Metro, Guardian)