Thatcher hit with massive suspension

Koen Freriks

12 september 2006, 19:34

Ben Thatcher will miss Manchester City's next eight games as a result of his horror-challenge on Pedro Mendes of Portsmouth.

The 30-year-old crashed against Mendes, smashing the Portugese's face with his forearm, yet only received a yellow card from referee Dermot Gallagher who had evidently not seen the incident clearly.

As a result of universal outrage at the challenge, with Harry Redknapp asking whether one had to kill somebody to earn a red card, Stuart Pearce gave Thatcher an internal suspension and now the FA has brokenits own rules to charge the defender with 'serious foul play.' The suspension will include the two games that he has already missed.

Thatcher will not appeal the decision and a spokesman for the player said, "Mr Thatcher accepts the FA's decision without question. He has once again apologised to everyone concerned. He now wishes to serve his suspension, put the incident behind him and get on with his career."