The FA charge for Rafael da Silva because of his reaction to the unjust red card at the weekend was a result of Mike Dean specifically referring to it in his post-match report.

The referee who awarded a penalty against Rafael for a foul on Craig Bellamy outside of the area last season in the League Cup semi-final, made specific mention of Rafael’s response to the decision, which could result in the player missing a total of two games for a red card decision that even opposition manager Harry Redknapp disagreed with.

Players getting punished when they’re in the wrong is fair enough. The fact Dean was wrong to produce a second yellow doesn’t change that Rafael should be punished for exploding like that afterwards, but there needs to be consistency.

Andre Marriner gave no second yellow card to Steven Gerrard for telling him to “fuck off” after sticking his fingers up at him last season. There was no mention of it in his match report either, meaning no charge was brought against Gerrard.

So, we can clearly see there’s an inconsistency between different referees over what they see as “improper conduct”. But is there also inconsistency with the same refs over how they deal with incidents from match to match?

It makes you wonder, why didn’t Dean mention John Terry trying to rip the red card out of his hand after John Obi Mikel was sent off at Old Trafford a few seasons ago? He didn’t book him for it either. This “improper conduct” wasn’t punished in any way.

Dean will set Rafael up for a two match ban but when it comes to a British Bulldog, a courageous captain, a fearless leader, the referee doesn’t believe a punishment is in order.

FA, sort it out!

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Referee fans flames after Rafael red card




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