Well I predicted in an earlier article that the FA would work themselves up into a lather about the now infamous Barton Blue Moon at Goodison last weekend and they have as expected confirmed that charges will be brought against Joey.
Most football fans, including I’m happy to say most Evertonians, have been showing support for Barton and acknowledge that his actions after the game were no more than a bit of light-hearted fun in the face of some unsavoury heckling from a small section of the Everton contingent.
Why then, after the Police have decided not to pursue the matter, have the FA decided that they must intervene? They must surely be aware about the views of the majority of ordinary football fans as these have been widely reported in all sections of the media. Even Psycho, never one to normally criticise football officials has admitted his surprise that action is to be taken about such an innocuous event.
Why must the FA apply the letter of the law for petty incidents whilst they seem happy to cast a blind eye to the increasing numbers of dangerous tackles and blatant cheating that seems to go unpunished week in and week out?
Although technically speaking, according to the strict wording of the laws, the FA are probably entitled to do what they are doing, but they are not applying the spirit of the laws or basic common sense in this instance.
The FA are in danger of removing most of the fun and enjoyment from the game, and if there is no room for friendly banter, light relief and humour, they will alienate a lot of fans, whose interests they are supposed to be protecting.
I just don’t want to watch games that are totally sterile, devoid of passion and fun and governed by political correctness and I suspect the vast majority of the population feel the same way.
Now that the charges have been raised, the FA could partially redeem themselves by just giving Barton a slap on the wrist and at worst a token fine; but really, what a complete waste of everyone’s time and money – how much will all this have cost?
I’d like to see City really stick up for Joey and not lay down timidly like some poodle in front of the FA. I’d also like to see Everton Football Club, show a bit more public support and also lobby the FA to dismiss the charges. Let’s not forget that Everton are not entirely blameless in this fiasco, thanks to a small section of their fans.
Come on FA, stop killing the game; do your job properly and focus on the on-pitch cheating and dubious off-pitch dealings; that’s where the real problems in the game are and what you should be sorting out !
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