RateTheRef

As my mother used to say, don't do it in the first place. I find it difficult to accept his apology given what was said but we need to move on. The punishment needs to fit the crime before we can do so though.

I’m confused by the article. Have the FA actually announced their punishment as Mitrovic saying he deserved his three match ban or is there a further charge that’s not been “decided”.

That’s what I have read in the Athletic, who are usually bang on with their reporting. I had to read it twice to check it wasn’t a joke, and it isn’t. I’ve seen players banned for longer for a lot less

What a slap in the face for all grassroots referees.

The Athletic article I came across said that a lengthier ban could still be applied to Mitrovic so I presume the standard 3 match ban has been put in effect to start from this weekend and the process of deciding if there will be an extended ban and if so what that will be is still ongoing.

I believe this is correct. The 3 match ban has already been enacted for the red card but no decision has been made yet as to whether or not this will be extended.

It will be absolutely disgusting if it's not.

Why the FA has to always make such a meal of everything is beyond me. The whole world saw what happened; just convene the panel (or whatever) quickly and get it decided in the days afterwards. Player can then accept it or appeal, but just get on with it!

FA has already contradicted itself whilst separately announcing the RC punishment only - they stated at the time that the ‘standard VC punishment ‘clearly wouldn’t be sufficient’, so he should’ve got more than 3 games for the RC alone. Won’t be holding out much hope for a serious consequence for the post-RC language and failure to depart!

The process is that the 3 game ban for a standard OFFINABUS is applied.  The FA then decide whether that is sufficient or not, if they feel not an additional charge is raised.  The player / club then get a chance to accept the charge or request a personal hearing, I believe they requested this but it hasn't happened yet.  Mitrovic saying he accepts his 3 game ban absolutely does not mean they he won't get more.

Why the FA has to always make such a meal of everything is beyond me. The whole world saw what happened; just convene the panel (or whatever) quickly and get it decided in the days afterwards. Player can then accept it or appeal, but just get on with it!

Agree with this. The disciplinary committee in Hungary sit every Tuesday (Weds & Thurs too if it's been a busy weekend!). Every red card from the pro and semi pro leagues, male & female, is reviewed and a ban appropriate to the offence dished out.

If you want a personal hearing you turn up on the Tuesday after the game or tough luck. Playing for your NT would not been accepted as an excuse, you're either there or you're not. Very rarely they will accept a request to adjourn and then it's likely only to be until the Weds or Thurs. They happily dish out x months bans for laying your hands on a referee or threatening behaviour towards one, if you show dissent after a red they'll tack on a couple of extra games for that. They are harsh and consistent with it. Players know not to even go there.

The process is that the 3 game ban for a standard OFFINABUS is applied.  The FA then decide whether that is sufficient or not, if they feel not an additional charge is raised.  The player / club then get a chance to accept the charge or request a personal hearing, I believe they requested this but it hasn't happened yet.  Mitrovic saying he accepts his 3 game ban absolutely does not mean they he won't get more.

The three game ban, given Fulham's fixture list, means he is not available for selection until 22 April.  There is no rush here.  Follow due process, use the time available and come up with an appropriate sanction rather than a knee-jerk reaction.