Football Association strengthens retrospective action powers

The Football Association has changed its process on retrospective action to strengthen its powers to deal with violent incidents.

Action can now be taken against players when officials are not in a position to fully assess the clash.

Wigan's Callum McManaman escaped punishment for a dangerous tackle on Newcastle defender Massadio Haidara last term as an official had seen the challenge.

Action could previously only be taken when none of the officials had seen it or in exceptional circumstances.

With McManaman, the view of referee Mark Halsey was obscured, but the incident was seen by assistant Matthew Wilkes.

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor called for rules on retrospective action to be changed after the incident.

The FA said on its website: "This change is not intended to usurp the authority of the match officials who are, in the vast majority of cases, best-placed to deal with incidents at the time they occur."