Premier League could pilot stronger retrospective action

A scheme to strengthen retrospective action on violent incidents in the Premier League is under discussion.

A panel of ex-referees could review serious incidents only partially seen or missed by officials.

It may take decisions on retrospective action out of officials' hands.

The issue was thrown in the spotlight when Wigan's Callum McManaman went unpunished for a bad tackle on Massadio Haidara of Newcastle because officials saw the incident.

In England, current FA rules allow the match official the opportunity to revisit an incident that was missed and decide what action would have been taken had the infringement been seen at the time.

The referee decides whether the matter was a sending-off, a bookable offence, or neither. If no change is made to the original decision, no further action is taken.

Proposals need the approval of the FA's rule-making body, the Football Regulatory Authority.

The Football Association, the Premier League, the Football League, and representatives of match officials, players and managers are all involved in discussions.

In McManaman's case in March, the view of referee Mark Halsey was obscured, but the incident, which most observers thought merited a straight red card for violent conduct, was seen by assistant Matthew Wilkes.

Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias claimed the FA's disciplinary process was "not fit for purpose" while Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said it was "an accident".