First, news surfaced yesterday afternoon that the club would be charged with failing to control their players following the incident at the end of the Wigan game. This is not the first FA charge we’ve received this season, however Wigan has been hammered three or four times already.
The club has not decided what to do yet, but Michael proposed that they appeal the ruling.
“Isn’t it difficult? Because there are strong emotions,” remarked Michael on a day when another FA announcement dominated the news. We need to sit down, me, Liam, and Jez, and decide what we are going to do. I thought there wasn’t much in it, so I was a little disappointed. We just need to sit down and see whether we appeal it.
“I believe we will appeal it. I thought they were the aggressors in that situation, not us.”
Of course, fans will want to hear Michael’s thoughts on the FA Cup alterations, as the FA decided to eliminate replays without adequate consultation. When asked, the former Leeds coach was forced to respond quickly because he had only seen the news moments before being on live. Michael, as a measured and balanced man, had an opinion.
“It is challenging. I only saw it flip over the screen, so I haven’t given it any thought,” he explained.
“I believe it is upsetting for both our club and lower-league clubs. But I’ve worked on the opposite side of the fence in the Premier League, where I can understand to some degree.
“But, first and foremost, with those decisions, I believe you must defend your history, culture, and how you do things in England, whether elite or non-elite. So, to me, it’s a little disappointing.”
Several clubs, notably Peterborough, Tranmere, and Grimsby, have spoken out against the FA’s decision, citing the fact that 763 teams entered and just 20 were consulted. Michael’s response was measured and deliberate, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the club issued a strong, formal statement later today.
