"It is the case that The FA may only take action in exceptional cases, and FIFA’s stance is that such use of this ruling must warrant truly exceptional circumstances. This would be for an incident which was outside the bounds of what might be considered to be a normal football challenge. This is where an incident is sufficiently serious in its nature to warrant a sanction over and above the applicable standard punishment having regard to the particular facts. We have recently spoken with FIFA to reaffirm our jurisdiction following this matter, and they have advised they are in agreement with our application of their rules."
The above is taken directly from the FA's reply and is in context. From this one can conclude that leg breaking challenges are 'normal' in the FA's book, it is unbelievable that they have said this in my opinion. De Jong's tackle on Ben Arfa was just 'normal' in the FA's book.
In recent weeks we have seen several tackles that should have been met with harsh retrospective punishment. These tackles were reckless, violent, overly forceful and jeopardised the safety of the opposing players. The FA simply can't be bothered to read their own guidelines, they feel leg breaking tackles do not warrant any sanction and they feel that they are 'normal challenges'. Words are failing me again, it is hard to describe just how cretinous and backwards these committee dwelling morons are.
Danny Murphy has told it how it is, Arsene Wenger continues to do so, Dario Gradi has joined in too. At least the FA's stance is now clear, they could act if they so wished, they have the power, they simply think that dangerous leg breaking tackles are a normal and acceptable part of the game. Leg breaking tackles should not be normal or acceptable, they must be punished properly, and the FA must not be allowed to rest until they are forced to see the light of day.
