Reports are starting to surface that the FA will take no further action on a trio of controversial incidents that occurred in the Gameweek gone by. Robin Van Persie’s alleged elbow on Yohan Cabaye at the Sports Direct Arena was reviewed by Howard Webb and was not considered to be an act of violent conduct, meaning the Dutchman will be available for United’s Gameweek 8 home showdown against Stoke.
The decision will no doubt infuriate Alan Pardew – the Newcastle boss called for Van Persie to be banned after yesterday’s 3-0 loss. United subbed off their summer signing just four minutes after the incident, with Pardew certain of the Dutchman’s intent:
“He has looked at Yohan and he has elbowed him, and I think that perhaps needs to be looked at, if I am honest. There’s a bit of history from last year and I don’t know if Robin has been caught up in that, but that was just a little bit unsavoury. I actually thought Yohan wouldn’t have gone down if he hadn’t done something. I didn’t see it myself, but I have obviously seen it on the replay and it looks like he has looked at him and put his elbow there.”
Pardew did receive some good news, however, after Webb also failed to report Cheick Tiote’s apparent stamp on Tom Cleverley in the same match.
Elsewhere, Robert Huth has escaped a possible suspension for violent conduct. The Stoke defender appeared to stamp on Luis Suarez in yesterday’s goalless draw at Anfield but will not have to face the authorities. This somewhat atones for his failed appeal back in February, where the German was slapped with a three-match ban for a tackle on Sunderland’s David Meyler.
