Should McManaman have escaped punishment?

Wigan midfielder Calum McManaman was making his full debut against Newcastle and it is one he will never forget.

He may look back on his team’s victory as a highlight to savour if they end up ultimately avoiding relegation.

Despite this he should be thankful for the reprieve he has been given by the FA. He may want to consider this when he challenges in future matches.

Haidara the victim of his tackle last time out will not be so grateful about the decision taken. It marred what was a well contested game between two in form sides.

The FA not punishing a wreckless knee high challenge has for sure exacerbated the situation. There is tenacity and nerves but this sort of challenge is not acceptable.

When players make these sort of challenges, saying he does not have a nasty bone in his body and complimentary comments about the tackler’s character is irrelevant.

A knee high challenge that could have been career ending is something that needs to viewed with the greatest of seriousness.

A three match ban would have sent out the correct message. Now that this has not occurred the FA need to ensure that they provide a justification as to why this has not been the case.

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