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Over the years, I have been critical about the way that football authorities have wimped out of making tough decisions.
Up until now, Uefa has been weak in its punishment of racism and antisemitism in football.
I believe that Uefa’s two-match ban for Eduardo’s outrageous dive was spot on. England legend Gordon Banks believes that firmer action should have been taken and the Croatian striker banned for the rest of the season. For me, this would have been too harsh but how Arsenal can defend the player for clear simulation and describe the decision as “deeply flawed” is beyond me.
Arsene Wenger and the club are outraged about the ban. The manager described the verdict as “a complete disgrace and unbelievable”. Rarely has he spoken about the issue itself although his excuse that the player “may have taken evasive action in light of the career-threatening broken leg he sustained two seasons ago” appears somewhat far-fetched.
And then there is Chelsea. The club have been punished by Fifa after being found guilty of inducing Gael Kakuta to break his contract with Lens in 2007. As a result, they will not be able to register new players in the next two transfer windows.
Again, I believe that the punishment fits the crime and like Arsenal, Chelsea should take it on the chin and swallow the medicine.