Following an independent regulatory commission hearing today, Southampton’s Dani Osvaldo has been handed a three-match ban with immediate effect and a £40,000 fine for misconduct related to the end of match brawl at St James’ Park against Newcastle United on December 14.
Osvaldo was charged with violent conduct, and the council found this to be proven.
The fine and suspension seem inconsistent given the FA’s decisions of the past.
This having been said, the FA has yet to establish clear guidelines and a fine structure around disciplinary items. Time and again whenever decisions are made by the FA on these types of matters, eyebrows are raised and the club impacted feels aggrieved.
In the future, it would be wise for the FA to put in place a clear and published disciplinary schedule of fines and suspensions BEFORE a season begins so that players, match officials, club administrators and supporters all understand the consequences of wrongdoing. Extenuating circumstances can still be decided by an FA panel but most suspensions, fines and disciplinary actions should not only be consistent but known in advance of action.
The FA also fined Newcastle United coach Andy Woodman, who was sent to the stands following the same incident. He was fined £1,250 and warned as to his future conduct after he admitted a charge of improper conduct.
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