Fellaini handed three-match ban

, 17 December, 88comments  |  Jump to most recent
Belgian will miss important Christmas period

Marouane Fellaini has been suspended for three matches after the Football Association acted, as expected, with retroactive punishment for the Belgian's head-butt on Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross on Saturday.

The ban is precisely what Club officials had been expecting after the incident was clearly captured by television cameras as the two players jostled for a set-piece during the testy 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium.

It will come as a big blow to David Moyes, though, as he prepares for the important Christmas schedule where Fellaini will miss the games against West Ham, Wigan and Chelsea.

The 25 year-old has apologised to all concerned, admitting that his frustration at the manhandling he and his teammates were getting from a very physical Potters side boiled over.

Nevertheless, he joins his injured compatriot Kevin Mirallas on the sidelines until the New Year depleting the Blues' first team further as they seek to maintain their challenge for a top-four finish.

Quotes or other material sourced from BBC Sport



Reader Comments (88)

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Phil Sammon
1 Posted 17/12/2012 at 17:58:44
Best news possible
Adolf Ng
2 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:00:44
So, not to get injured during Xmas so as to get ready for a transfer in Jan?
Jamie Barlow
3 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:03:19
Result.

A headbutt, elbow and a slap. Probably thinks it was well worth it.

Jamie Tulacz
4 Posted 17/12/2012 at 17:59:19
Think that we've dodged one there- could have been a lot worse. The big Fella needs to take a real look at his temper in future, as not the first time he's retaliated and he's been lucky to get away with 1 or 2 incidents in the past imo. Having said that, it would be nice to see the FA/FIFA or whoever can be bothered, do something about wrestling at corners, not that I'm holding my breath. Not to excuse Fella's behaviour though which fully deserves the ban.
Patrick Murphy
5 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:04:25
The sad part of it will be if it was the Big Fella's last game on Saturday he will always be remembered for the wrong reasons.

As the MOTD commentator said it was almost as if he was looking to be sent-off against Stoke, with Benitez in charge at Chelsea and them losing a defensive midfielder to a long-term injury it does look likely he will end up at Stamford Bridge.

If Moyes gets most of the money - it had better be nearer to 30m rather than the 20m that is being touted - then maybe he can add quality to the squad which is what we badly need.

Matt Traynor
6 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:14:06
Jamie #655, we didn't dodge anything. The FA did what was in their powers to do. Fortunately they're not directed by an incredulous media, who are not even aware of the rules of the game.
Danny Kewley
7 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:10:41
of course the big fella was always going to get a ban for his stupidity but the FA has got to put a stop to dirty twats like shawcross getting away with his thuggish behaviour week in week out.
Paul Ferry
8 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:05:55
Total prick, lucky to escape with just three matches. Love the reaction on these boards along the lines of "silly but'; "out of order but...", "not acceptable but..." Shawcross, pressure, provocation, blah, blah, blah.

There is no excuse for not once, not twice, but three times assaulting Shawcross. Felli is supposed to be a professional so it's somewhat pathetic to hear him whining about being provoked. I don't head butt people when provoked. And never mind the utter thuggery, what about the utter fucking peanut-brain stupidity of three times assaulting Shawcross in front of a crowd, other players, 5 officials, retrospective inspection by media and authorities, not to mention live audiences (in the US at any rate) and all those millions who saw highlights of the game? Three fucking times... He was crap in the game, loves to give it out but can't take it, and still, when push comes to shove and his cage gets rattled, unreliable and a liability.

Fellaini on his day is top drawer and he has been our Autumn gold. But I don't want to see violence like that from someone in a blue shirt.

So someone on another thread called me self-righteous for saying things along these lines. Self-righteous? Fuck me. And so is the large line of people queuing up to slam Felli for his thuggery also a large line of self-righteous gloaters, including Moyes? Ridiculous.

I for one will not be unhappy to see Felli go in this or the next window. If we can pick up three or more well sussed buys in keeping with the last two windows, I'll be chuffed. He won't go this window, needless to say, after that horror show and his self-imposed three-game exile.

He has let everyone down so badly, let's hope the fool has the humility and self-awareness to spend a good part of his Crimbo Holiday taking a long and hard look at himself. I have my doubts.

Steven Telford
9 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:18:44
Adolf Ng (#651) wake up, that's a daft comment.
Andy Meighan
10 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:22:28
He's got lucky. I thought they might have made an example of him with that crass behaviour on Saturday.

Hopefully he won't be missed that much. Moyes will just have to shuffle the pack. Anyway, he strolls around half the time looking like he couldn't give a flying one.

Funny way to instigate a big money move though... Chelsea can have him as far as I'm concerned. As long as they're willing to pay big dough. Personally, he won't be missed by me. He has flattered to deceive, season after season. Shut the door on your way out, curly.
Jack Okell
11 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:32:04
3 weeks should give him time to plow all our missus's....A promise is a promise...
Mike Green
12 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:44:08
To be honest if it means something might finally get done about Stokes antics he deserves a pat on the back.
Kristi Panduku
13 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:44:00
Moyes has to shake up this lineup for three games in a week and a half without Fellaini and MIrallas. For me Barkley and Oviedo have to be included. One option would be to play Oviedo on the left and Pienaar behind Jelavic with Barkley on the right. We need to get 3 points out of West Ham and Wigan and that's not going to happen with Naismith playing or with any other negative lineup.
Jamie Crowley
14 Posted 17/12/2012 at 18:53:56
I couldn't agree more with Martin Samuel's piece. Fining Fellaini is ignoring the actual cause of the problem - Shawcross' cheating, grabbing, mauling, et al.

Fella got what he deserved. Let's hope the refs finally see the other side of this and begin to stamp down on bear hugs.

Ciarán McGlone
15 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:00:05
To be honest that's a result. Hopefully we get a look at young Ross.
Pete Cross
16 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:07:45
Matt, we did dodge one; the ref said he saw the other two incidents, but they did not warrant any action, so he was only charged with the butt, lucky guy.
Kevin Tully
17 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:06:05
Agree Ciarán. Barkley may well get a few games, and hopefully a goal or two.

Looking at our options got me thinking about our youth policy at the club, and the academy players who have actually held down a first team place.

Any club could have brought Rooney on, and Rodwell was in & out of the first team ( thanks City ) but I am struggling to think of another?

Drew Shortis
18 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:10:49
I can't argue with the ban, his actions were stupid, but I have to agree with the media articles that argue that he was provoked by the unacceptable holding of Shawcross which is now endemic in the game.

Moyes's condemnation of Fellaini's actions have allowed attention to focus on this issue and I hope the FA take notice and encourage referees to stamp this out of the game. The rules forbid wrestling players in set piece situations, but we have gradually drifted into a situation where this is common place.

Please FA, put a stop to it now! (Like that will happen!!!!)
Scott Goin
19 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:20:47
Could have been worse. Glad it's only 3 games. Hopefully when the FA were viewing Fellaini's barbaric attacks, they also noticed that Shawcross had both arms wrapped around him, holding him tight like a kid does his teddy bear.

I'm not sure whether this improves his chances of leaving in January or not. I always thought he would stay for the full year as long as we were competing for Champions League. I still think that's the case.

John Campbell
20 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:29:14
How about we all move on?... And give Barkley the chance we all know he deserve!s
Donal Neill
21 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:34:47
Result! Joey Barton got 12 games for as bad. The fact Moyesie admitted it was 100% his fault and he apologised stood to him. Nonetheless, we will miss him.
Dick Fearon
22 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:18:23
Moyes was wrong to ignore the physical battering our players were subjected to by putting all blame for the incident on Fellaini. I do not condemn Marouane. the fault lies with a ref who was so busy ingratiating himself with the players he willfully turned a blind eye to tag wrestling match Huth, Shawcross vs Jelavic, Fellaini.

Also contributing to the woeful performance was Moyes stricture to his players not to seek the refs favour. The Stoke pair were not so restrained and Mark Halsey let them get away with murder.

I would hate to lose a top four spot just because our players unlike most others do not get in the refs face.

It is time Moyes woke up to the fact that we do not gain anything by being gentlemen. Other clubs do it to such an extent that it seems like it's a part of their game plan.
Nick Entwistle
23 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:51:41
Hitzlgerman and Gibson in the middle, Osman behind Jely. The football could possibly improve and be a better supply for Jely too.
Will Schoefmann
24 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:46:17
There will be no action taken against Stoke's "style" of defending set pieces, not in the short term and not in the long term.

Felli's absence will make way for the talent we have just sitting on the sidelines though. Bring on young Ross and Oviedo! I wouldn't mind Der Hammer getting a few more looks at goal with that shot of his as well (though we've yet to see it and hitting the mark).

Good on Moysie for meeting it head on, however, not that I'd expect anything else.

Kieran Fitzgerald
25 Posted 17/12/2012 at 19:59:32
Dick, I see where you're coming from but part of me says that it is good to have standards like this. A sad truth though that they have little or no place in the modern game.
Will Schoefmann
26 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:01:35
I love how the pic BBC used is of Huth sending a kick straight to Felli's bollocks... a picture is worth a thousand words:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20754074
Paul Kelly
27 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:07:08
Im with Dick on this one. Moyes wants to stop being Mr Nice Guy ( might have something to do with being in the shop window)

After the derby he condemned Neville( rightly so) and said nothing about ratboy.
After Saturday he condemned Fellaini ( rightly so) and nothing about the constant fouling or the shit arse performance of the referee.

Sort yourself Davey Boy!

James Martin
28 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:15:28
Perhaps someone with a bit of pace and agility will actually be given a run in the number 10 position now. Wouldn't be surprised at all if Jelavic went on a spree now and a few of the games don't end up 1-1.
Wayne Smyth
29 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:14:56
Dick, you're absolutely spot on. I've said the same so many times.

We're too nicey, nicey to ever win fuck-all. We desperately need to get street wise to push on for the top places in the league.

Kieran, yes it's good to have standards like we do, but it never gets us anywhere does it? All we do is make ourselves easy targets for the refs to screw us over with crappy decisions because there is no backlash.

The FA and the Premier League have had long enough to sort out the cheating and the referee intimidation that many teams take part in, and have done precisely nothing about it, so why bother to continually screw ourselves over? Is there a naive gullible tit prize up for grabs that I missed?

Kieran Fitzgerald
30 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:24:00
James, the only personnel change would be to put in Oveido or Barkley in Felliani's position. We have already shown this season that we can play the ball to feet, high ball to Felliani isn't the only trick we have. It would mean an extra player running at defences along with Pienaar, Baines and Coleman. For once it would be nice to see someone running through the middle.
Wayne Smyth
31 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:25:51
Furthermore, while its David Moyes's job to have a go at our players in terms of their disciplinary record, he also needs to publicly stand up for them too.

I would have liked him to have made a big deal out of Stokes constant fouling and dirty tactics. Halsey obviously forgot his cards on Saturday and let far too much go in my opinion. They need to be a lot more consistent with their decisions, not just let foul after foul go unpunished because "it's Stoke".

James Martin
32 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:32:36
Kieran any number of permutations are possible. Naismith behind Jelavic with Oviedo on the left and Pienaar on the right. Pienaar in the hole with Oviedo on the left. Barkley in the number 10 spot. 4-4-2 with Jelavic and Vellios.

I definitely don't want to see Osman moved forward and a defensive midfielder like Hitzlsperger or Heitinga brought in. That would undo all of the good rhythm we have in midfield. This suspension could be the making of this team and particularly one of Barkley/Naismith/Oviedo if they're given the chance. We always moan about Moyes having favourites, never making tactical changes, and refusing to drop players.Fellaini was surely in this category, no matter who we were playing, how good or bad he was playing he was never dropped or even subbed off for a tactical change. We only ever play one way and once managers are allowed to reorganise at half time they usually come out with a way to score an equaliser. It wasonly really Martinez at Wigan who set out a team that matched us in the first half then we adapted. Every other game this seaosn has been us battering teams for 45 minutes before playing poorly in the second half once we're sussed out.

Kieran Fitzgerald
33 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:32:24
Wayne, I have to agree to an extent. I think that Moyes is taking a forlorn stand in terms of what practical value the club gets in terms of decisions on the pitch.

The one thing I will say though, I read various comments in the media after the derby game. Moyes got praised for the way he spoke to the media after the game about Neville, Rodgers and Liverpool got hammered for not doing the same about ratboy. I think that by speaking out about Felliani on Saturday, he has put the same onus on Pulis to speak up in the same vain. Instead, Pulis comes on and whinges about how nobody likes poor Stoke. This honest style by Moyes, for me, does have the value of making the opposition look very small and petty by comparison to us.

Phil Sammon
34 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:40:25
Agree with James.

If I see Hitzlsperger or Heitinga on the team sheet I will scream.

It's Oviedo or Barkley to come in. Or even both and lose Naismith.

Against West Ham I feel Moyes may fancy Barkley due to his decent aerial ability. Losing Fellaini is a blow in a defensive sense as much as anything.

Kieran Fitzgerald
35 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:48:02
James, cracking point. I think starting someone with a different style to Felliani and then changing again to keedifferent an
Anthony Jaras
36 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:42:04
My team would be;

Howard GK
Coleman RB
Jagielka CB
Distin CB
Oviedo LB
Gibson CM
Hitzelsperger CM
Pienaar RM
Osman ACM
Baines LM
Jelavic FW

Kieran Fitzgerald
37 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:50:47
Don't know what happened there. James, your right. Using different players to confuse the opposition is what I meant to type. But it does mean Moyes being creative twice, once with who he starts and then with who he brings on in terms of subs.
Ian Allaker
38 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:58:31
Get Oveido on the left, Pienaar on the right, Barkley or Naysmith behind Jelly, Hitz for Oz, and throw Vellios on if we are losing. The youngster can hold the fort until the cavalry arrive in the January transfer window along with Mirrales, Fellaini Hibbert, Neville and the mighty Anichebe, 4tth place will easily be in the bag!
Tony J Williams
39 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:56:53
So let's get this right then Dick, it's Moyes's fault for Fellaini being a prick and being unable to rein in his anger like so many other have done when presented with exactly the same situation? ....Jeez

Tony J Williams
40 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:02:08
That should say "the ref's fault"
Ian Greenhalgh
41 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:56:50
The joke is if the ref had given a pen on any one of the many opportunities he was given by mongrel Shawcross — not one viewer would have questioned it!! It was there for all to see.

Why Fella didn't prime the ref for the predicted tag tackle on the next set piece, I will never know.
Jon Ferguson
42 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:55:48
Anthony - why would you move a player like Baines out of the position he plays every week, the position were he is widely regarded outside the club to be the best in the league, to a differentposition which requires completely different attributes (he's an attacking threat coming late from deep)? Just look how much more of a threat Coleman is in his natural position. He was useless outside!

I'd like to see Oveido (who is a winger as well as a full back) and Barkley cone in for Naismith and Fellaini. Barkley didn't look out of place Saturday. Maybe this is the kick start he needs.

Ross Kerry
43 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:58:55
I've criticised Moyes for plenty but I couldn't have a go at him for setting high standards for Everton, irrespective of the lack of similar morals amongst other PL managers.

When has a club making excuse for the shite behaviour of its players ever reflected well upon them? The frustration of Fellaini is justified, the violence is not.

He's got his faults but on this one Moyes stance represents the club that I support.

Phil Sammon
44 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:05:57
Ian @ 716

Hitzlsperger in for Osman?

What are you on?

Wayne Smyth
45 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:05:14
Tony, I think its the refs fault for failing to spot and punish continual and blatant fouling on fellaini....and indeed for fellainis reactions.

I don't think anyone can condone fellaini's actions, and he may well be a prick for reacting like he did, but he's our prick and while that's the case we should be fighting his corner as much as possible. We shouldn't disown our own and leave them to the media and FA.

Kevan Currie
46 Posted 17/12/2012 at 20:43:00
Did it not seem un-natural for Shawcross to just get back on his feet and carry on? Perhaps he is told by his manager; 'Whatever happens, don't ever react, when people do to you, what you do to them'. After the game, he probably said 'Well done lad'. He left 'David to deal with that' after the game.

Gibson said, on this site before the game, 'We can be as physical as them, all day long, if need be'.

DM probably told Fellaini – "Use your head when Shawcross gets to grips with you, 'cos that's what he does. Forewarned is forearmed."... Bit of a translation issue is all.

Barkley needs a proper run. For his confidence. Three games on the trot, then make an evaluation. He knows whats expected of him. This is his time. Occasionally coming on as a replacement substitute for Naismith is not the way to make a realistic evaluation. Naismith has shown us what he can do. A second rate squad player.

Don't we expect more from Barkley? Recall him from playing regular first team football, to warm the bench?

Make a positive from a negative. Everton expects. From one of our own.

Eugene Ruane
47 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:04:19
Tut, I don't know - Big Duncan was carrying on like Fellaini every other week and many still won't hear a word of criticism. It's one one rule for daft-haired Eagle-faced Belgians and another for shirt-waving, bicep-flaunting, interviewer-ignoring Scots.
Anthony Jaras
48 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:14:25
Jon, I'd like to see Baines in the left wing permanently. I think he's better than Bale at attacking. I've said it for a while now.

As we say Baines ripping teams apart in flashes when he comes forward, if he was forward all the time, I think he's be devastating.

With Oviedo on board now, I'd like us to try it for a game or two.

Edward Simpson
49 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:07:08
Moyes can't and shouldn't defend his players when they do something wrong on the pitch.
I've been critical of managers recently, especially Brendan Rodgers on Suarez, who seems to not have the balls to come out and criticise his own players when justified (the derby cough .. cough.) It was refreshing that Moyes was honest and not disingenuous, even if some people feel that he should have complained about the man handling.

Anyway, I've moved on from this whole issue now, what's done is done and we can cope without Fellaini if we get the balance right.

It's quite blindingly obvious that Barkley has to start against West Ham, when he came on last week his performance gave me renewed optimism that he could be a pivotal player for us and clearly looks like a better player since coming back from loan, stronger and better feet.
I think Moyes would be daft not to play him and could grab a goal, but it's also whether he will play Naismith also.

I would like to see Gibson and Hitzlsperger in the middle, Osman on the right and Barkley behind Jelavic (whether he could do a job there I'm not sure about though.)
That surely is good enough to beat West Ham, I just hope Moyes has got the balls to put Barkley in there somewhere.

Ross Kerry
50 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:22:13
Eugene, that depends on who you're asking.
Steve Jones
51 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:16:46
I was at the Stoke game and not many saw the headbutt, most of us were watching Jags trying to get a position but being manhandled, Jelavic in a headlock, and Distin was being stopped from even getting into the penalty area, he was pushed over twice! This happened for virtually every corner.

No excuse for what Fellaini did; he clearly lost his rag, but the ref should have penalised Stoke well before and it never would have happened.

By the way, interesting that the ref said he actually saw the elbow and punch in the face and decided they weren't a problem , thus decreasing the potential ban. I think this was due to Moyes's reaction and Fellaini's apology, and his own embarrassment.
Phil Sammon
52 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:32:55
Osman on the right?

I thought the one thing we categorically knew was that Osman is not a wide player.

Ifor Hughes
53 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:37:14
While I don't in the slightest condone what Fellaini did, it must be seriously frustrating for him after what happened in the City game.
Jon Ferguson
54 Posted 17/12/2012 at 21:46:12
Anthony - we'll have to agree to disagree. I just don't think Baines would be half the player on the wing. I think he'd get marked out the game on the wing. He's perfectly suited to his position for me.

Fortunately for me, I can't see Moyes moving him further forward.

I can't see the logic either in moving Osman to the right. He's had a great season so far in the middle, resulting in international recognition. Why move him back to a position he's been less effective in beforehand.

Square pegs in square holes I say.

Ian Allaker
55 Posted 17/12/2012 at 22:13:03
Ozzy on the right, are you for real? How many years have you been watching him get torn apart on the wing, its bad enough watching him in the middle.

Phil, i'm not on anything only fresh air and it is as clear as day that Osman is not doing enough to keep his place in the side. I would rather see Hitz or Barkley have a go, if they don't do enough fair enough but we wont know if we continue to persist with Osman and his pea roller shooting. Barkley and Hitz will at least be able to test the goal keeper.

Tom Bowers
56 Posted 17/12/2012 at 22:38:56
Maybe now it's time to see some changes. Except for the lucky win against Spurs we have found it difficult to win games with these starting players even with Fellaini playing his best football. The team has basically been playing off the win against Manure and now with Mirallas and Fellaini missing things could go pear-shaped even more.

We are down to sixth and would really welcome a few wins off the bat but without changes it won't happen. Osman and Naismith are off the pace and chances must be given to new faces.

Would have been nice to play Chelski this week after their long trip to Japan but 2 other teams stuttering at the moment come first and West Ham is usually a productive ground for the Blues. Looking at Reading today I still can't believe we gave them 3 points.

Perhaps Fellaini may jump ship now,who knows but at least he will fetch a tidy sum on this seasons form but it will have consequences for Everton as an adequate replacement may not yet be available.
Gareth Hughes
57 Posted 17/12/2012 at 23:14:34
Eugene Ruane; now that a 3-game ban has been confirmed, I am only sorry that Fellaini didn't do a proper job on Shawcross as Big Dunc would have. If you look at the offence, it's more of a 'lean in' with that big afro, not a standard Kirkby kiss! Might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb...
Jamie Barlow
58 Posted 17/12/2012 at 23:16:57
I haven't seen any reason why Ossie should lose his place in the side.

I think Moyes will pick a team with Naismith behind Jelavic. Maybe Barkley on the right or Pienaar swapping wings with Oviedo coming in on the left.

Dave White
59 Posted 17/12/2012 at 23:43:53
Fuck me, Tom, you're a ray on sunshine aren't you?! Did you actually watch the Spurs game?! There was only one lucky goal in that game and it was scored by Spurs. The fact that we never gave up is to be applauded, not undermined.

Down to sixth = pear-shaped?! What planet are you on where 6th is pear-shaped? With our paper thin squad and finances, 6th would be highly respectable... of course we want more and I'm still optimistic it's achievable, especially considering we've been mugged out of at least 6 points this season.

Does anyone else do doom and gloom like us Toffees?

As for the vexed Stoke issue, the manhandling at set pieces (which we are also guilty of) will not stop until referees take action, although how one person is able to watch what is usually 4 separate wrestling bouts I don't know... perhaps if penalties started being given across the board, we might see a reduction in the amateur Royal Rumbles.

Clive Lewis
60 Posted 18/12/2012 at 00:39:28
Let's face it, it was like shoving a sponge into the face of Shawcross. I am suprised he even felt anything.
Clive Lewis
61 Posted 18/12/2012 at 00:45:24
Just to add to this, Fellaini has a Shawcross shaped facial expression permanatley etched into his affro. No one ever mentions that!
James Flynn
62 Posted 18/12/2012 at 00:06:27
Shawcross went down like a shotgun victim, then miraculously leapt up when he didn't get the call. Am I out of line saying he needs to be suspended for mocking the ref?

This no-talent would be just another guy over here in MLS. But he egged on Fella knowing Fella's short fuse and gets away with murder. So we lose our best guy for 3 games and Shawcross will be on the pitch for Stoke's next game.

I know how this hurts us, Fella's suspension, but have no problem he did what he did, given what Stoke was allowed to do.

Marouaine, the next time MLS level players are permitted to put Rugby/NFL tackles on you, head-butt the "Shawcrosses" even harder. That a wonderful talent like you is suspended and a complete nobody like Shawcross will be on the pitch in a few days ............

Pat Finegan
63 Posted 18/12/2012 at 01:37:11
Shawcross is shite. Dirty player, let's get that straight. That said, what Fellaini did was inexcusable, James. He got the proper ban as it was an act committed during play. He used head-butting (which is illegal) to get away from a defender. There should have been a penalty given against Shawcross. Once the play was deemed to be fair the next action to be viewed was Fellaini's which was wholly unacceptable. Shawcross was wrong first but Fellaini retaliated inappropriately.
James Flynn
64 Posted 18/12/2012 at 02:38:47
Fella was wrong how exactly? Unless I watched some other game, Fella had enough of being public property by the 60th minute mark and "tried" to head butt the Stoke/MLS player. Since that Stoke useless hump jumped back up into play once he didn't get a call, tell me why we're minus Fella the next 3 games?

Any one of you present a coherent argument Fella is bounced for 3 games and this fucking nobody actor Shawcross will be in the starting line-up for Stoke next game.

I'm all ears.

Richard Harris
65 Posted 18/12/2012 at 03:35:36
When Shawcross didn't get a decision in his favour and play resumed I seem to recall that one of his own players pulled the back of his shirt to get him up off the ground ? If it had been a real head-butt, Shawcross wouldn't have been back on his feet so soon afterwards !
Richard Harris
66 Posted 18/12/2012 at 03:41:43
It's all very well for the FA to ban Fellaini for three games but what about Suarez's stamping on Mirallas, Distin, and Jones (Wigan) so far this season ?
Christine Foster
70 Posted 18/12/2012 at 06:03:43
I think there is a significant point being lost here, these tactics are coached into defenders by managers and coaches alike. I haven't heard Pulis complaining about all the stick his team is getting, why? Because they are just being told to play that way.
When I heard Moyes say that Stoke are a good team I choked on my tea, which proceeded to spill all down the front of me, bloody painful but not as bad as watching Stoke.

People ave likened them to our own "Dogs of war" But the difference was we ran and played hard but didn't cheat.

Pulls has turned Stoke into a team of cheats, do anything to get away with what they can.

Anthony Jaras
71 Posted 18/12/2012 at 08:01:00
I'm sorry boys but a lot of you are starting to sound like that shower from across the park when they are defending Saint Suarez.

Fellaini head butted an opponent, regardless of how much he was man handled. He was in the wrong and it was violent conduct.

Please drop the Koppite style of blinkered bikes and biased blindness.

It doesn't suit us!

Anthony Jaras
72 Posted 18/12/2012 at 08:05:12
Bikes? Views. Pot-ato, Po-tato!
Tom Bowers
73 Posted 18/12/2012 at 08:08:19
Dave White get real mate! You are looking at the Everton position through rose coloured glasses. Sixth place now, possibly eighth after the next round of games without Fella and Mirallas (two of the main reasons we started the season well) and Osman showing his true colors and his shooting prowess.
With Moyes sticking to his stubborness with underachievers like Osman and Naismith what can you expect? Drawn games at this rate are just useless and with all the doom and gloom Moyes is spouting about January's transfer window there aint no reason to see things improving with this squad.
Barry Earley
74 Posted 18/12/2012 at 09:49:58
I see Garth Crooks has named Shawcross in his Team Of The Week!!!!
Ray Roche
75 Posted 18/12/2012 at 10:06:51
Says it all about Crooks, doesn't it?
Sam Hoare
76 Posted 18/12/2012 at 10:18:10
This the best Fella and Everton could have hoped for. We are now down to 6th, a familiar spot. To stay in the hunt I would reckon that we need 6 or more points from West Ham (a) Wigan (h) Chelsea(h). Manage that and we'll be well positioned when Fella returns in the New Year. Real shame to be missing Fella and Mirallas at the same time as they are our 2 players who seem able to make something from nothing.
Keith Glazzard
77 Posted 18/12/2012 at 10:36:44
Would that be a tag wrestling team?
Tony J Williams
78 Posted 18/12/2012 at 10:51:05
Lets lay off the ban Shacross rubbish, the lad is doing what all defenders do, wind up players and stopping them performing.

Jags, Distin, Heitinga et all do it too, it's just that Shawcross took it to the next level against Fellaini, who wasn't professional enough (or sneaky enough) to handle it. Standing on Shawcross' toes, elbow in the ribs etc would have been better than a very visible attempted head but.

3 match ban = justice for a stupid act by Fellaini.
Media exposure = justice for the WWF tactics from Shawcross but we all know this will come back and bite us in the arse when the ref awards a penalty against Coleman for having his arms around Nolan....it's so much of a knapp, I think I will have a bet on it.

Philip Quilliam
79 Posted 18/12/2012 at 11:28:03
Tom #783. Get real? "6th now, 8th after next round of games" "Moyes sticking to playing under achievers" - Christ we will be lucky to avoid relegation. Perhaps there is an alternative universe with a optimistic Tom Bowers that thinks "Things aren't going too bad, we are traditionally bad starters. Roll on the second half of the season when we can get behind our team and push them on to even better things."
Clive Lewis
80 Posted 18/12/2012 at 11:49:58
I wouldnt call it a headbutt .... sponge bobbing is a better word. lets try to forget it now its dealt. However Mark lawrenson should be ashamed of himself on MOTD trying to get a ban of 8 games by suggesting this. How many other players get 8 games when they are sent off for this kind of thing?.
Matt Thomas
81 Posted 18/12/2012 at 11:57:20
It's funny an ex-redshite calling for an eight-match ban, but turning a blind eye to the mauling twat Carragher whose been getting away with this for years!!!
Aiden Jones
82 Posted 18/12/2012 at 12:09:51
Clive - Lawrenson was not talking about 8 games for the one offence , it was a possible total for the 3 offences which some people think could have been red cards. However this was always unlikely as to punish Fellaini for them would have meant the ref admitting to him missing 3 incidents in the second half which would have looked very poor for him.
Clive Lewis
83 Posted 18/12/2012 at 12:28:51
no really it was only 1 offence the others including the mild slam which I think was more of a push in the face. The elbow didnt even really make contact.
Peter Cummings
84 Posted 18/12/2012 at 12:10:18
Think it's all been said about the 'deserved' ban but watching the game as a whole I think a long hard look at Stoke should be taken by the FA; not only was Felli targeted but every Everton player who showed a bit of attacking ability was floored and hacked: Pienaar, Ossie, Coleman and Jeli were hit time and again — aided and abetted by incompetent refereeing which is fast becoming a sick joke in the EPL as game after game is ruined by their inconsistency.

But I am in agreement with many of the posters on the site: Fellaini, like his counterpart across Stanley Park, is becoming something of a ljability which Everton can do wthout.
Minik Hansen
85 Posted 18/12/2012 at 15:39:44
Fella out in three games means Jelavic will take his goals and turn 'em to his!
Though we'll wish him quick return, that fella.
Thank God Mira11as is nearing return.

COYB.

Bjørn-Ivar Pedersen
86 Posted 18/12/2012 at 19:41:39
I bet Shwashit are rolling on the floor peeing his pants 'cos he laughs so loud when learning about this.
I wonder how long it will take till he sign for redshit, he fits right in with them.
Peter Knight
87 Posted 18/12/2012 at 20:15:51
I did not think it was much of a headbutt... now Zidane that is what I would call a head butt, if someone on the street wrapped there arms around me and would not let me go I would do the same.

Fellami was player of the month and deemed unplayable by some experts when Messi gets treated like that normally a penalty is given.

When Fellaini does a slight tug on Dzeko, a penatly is awarded against him even as Kompany pushes someone out of the way and Lescott grabs Jagielka before the ball reaches Dzeko. Rubbish referees?

Peter Mills
88 Posted 18/12/2012 at 22:51:24
There comes a time when someone has to stand up and be counted. There is so much rubbish, hyperbole and hypocrisy spouted around Premier League football and I, for one, am delighted that it is Everton's manager who has had the guts to state that one of his players was badly out of line.
I don't actually care whether it works in our favour or not (although philosophically I believe it will). The point is, it needed to be said amongst the paragraphs and pages of self-justifying dross we get fed. David Moyes, by no means do I agree with everything you do or say, but good call on this one.
Brian Waring
89 Posted 19/12/2012 at 14:17:36
Messi may get a penalty Peter,the difference is though, When Messi is getting kicked all over the place almost every game, he just gets up and brushes himself down and gets on with it.
Tony J Williams
90 Posted 19/12/2012 at 14:44:33
Too true Brian. He knows he will end up getting the better of them, whereas Fellaini doesn't, sees red (spit) and decides to go all Barton on Shawcross' ass...
Peter Knight
91 Posted 19/12/2012 at 20:36:24
Brian,

I have watched Messi a lot in La Liga and he gets a lot of protection from the referees. if he did not get the calls and when he tackled players and was given a yellow card for nothing. I am sure he would end up losing his temper but he has signed an extension to his contract so we will not be able to see if he could handle Stoke and the Pemier League.

Does anyone remember the loss to Stoke and the holding in the box last season.


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