Wullie

I'm still reasonably confident we'll see a centre half, whether it be this lad or somebody else.

The real problem is the total lack of transparency regarding the issue. These are big decisions and fans should be told, among other things: a) who are the people making these decisions? b) do any of them have a vested interest in certain clubs/players? c) what processes do they go through to find these incidents and is it simply what it appears to be, simply watching whatever the main broadcasters have picked up on over that weekend? The FA were really good with the Suarez issue, coming out with that massive report, they should at least attempt the same levels of transparency with other disciplinary matters. Some of the decisions simply defy logic and this "the ref saw it so we can't do nuffin'" rule needs to be looked at because it is making the process a farce - the Rooney elbow being the most ridiculous example.

Lescott was way worse, he nearly broke the bloke's jaw. And Crouch's was as premeditated as you can get.

Didn't realise Lennon gave evidence on Shearer's behalf at the appeal hearing. Can't see El-Arsehole from Brighton doing the same, he was happy enough to absolutely clatter Cabaye from behind before going crying to the referee.

Has an appeal ever worked?

Apart from the players.

Pardew: "I thought it was unfair – the guy was coming towards him, and he was trying to keep him away. There’s no malice in that. I’m disappointed the TV highlighted that, I really am. “Yohan’s not that type of person. Perhaps there weren’t enough incidents in the game and they wanted to try to find something. As far as I’m concerned, he’s done nothing wrong.” I couldn't agree more.

Don't think that was even looked into Why would they when the FA Disciplinary Panel on MOTD decided there was nothing in it?

The RVP non-decision isn't quite as astonishing as Lescott getting away with his elbow last week.

Nah. It's a case of you don't know what's missing until it's gone. We'll massively miss the work he does in possession and defensively even if he hasn't been shining particularly at the moment. I totally agree. Abeid should be the one to step in anyway, he was excellent against Blackburn while Gosling has looked desperately poor at times.

Absolutely disgraceful.

no chance he could have a look at the deliberate elbow in the face on williamson aswell, also the tackle on cabaye that should've been a red aswell. If Cabaye gets done NUFC should demand the FA look at the elbow on Williamson which was much more clear cut (literally). Trial by TV is a joke. Unless every game is reviewed after the event for misdemeanour's (using the TV images recorded at every game up and down the divisions (broadcast on TV or not)) the FA shouldn't be able to only punish those broadcast on Sky, ESPN, BBC or ITV. You're absolutely right, the situation is farcical when it's being left up to the agendas at the media organisations to decide what gets flagged up to the FA, and that's exactly what happens. How many times have we said at the game "that was nasty, I'd like to see that again" and then it doesn't make the editor's cut and we hear nothing more about it? When Joey Barton got done for punching Pedersen, there was an incident in the same game where a lot of people said that Jason Roberts had raised his hands to Coloccini - I've never even seen that once. Speaking of Jason Roberts, he's now employed by the BBC as a pundit - are they going to be impartial if there's another incident involving him, and flag it up? I don't see how they can justify banning anyone for an FA Cup matter anyway given the massive difference in coverage from game to game in the same competition on the same day. The way ITV filmed Spurs' game in the third round, Modric could have come out for the second half in a Ford Escort and mowed down the Cheltenham back four and you wouldn't have been able to make it out.

I suppose that's true, but we already have our first choice CB out, first and second for the last game. I just don't think you can plan your squad based on having three or four CBs missing at once. Not many squads can cope with that, nor would they be expected to. I would be happier if we signed someone else though obviously, you're right about the short-term situation. Most squads would have a kid to bring in though I reckon, rather than playing a Championship full back in that position. We're clearly, for whatever reason, not going to put Kadar in there and therefore someone must come in. If we go Blackburn on Wednesday with Perch at centre half, somebody wants shooting.

Perch is a better footballer than Williamson IMO. So's Hatem Ben Arfa but I wouldn't play either of them at centre half.

I don't think City's players or manager are remotely interested in their history or standing.

Wigan wouldn't be a no-mark club if they had the money though. City were a total nothing five years ago, madras is right.

Loans did a fantastic job for us in the CCC, even a small deal like bringing PvA in for a month when Enrique got a knock was a masterstroke.

Ba touched the ball about four times. Just goes to show the worth of judging someone based on an international tournament.

I'll be really pissed off we don't get a centre half in, especially since we could feasibly be going to Blackburn with Perch there. Even a loan will do, just someone to cover our backs.

"Imagine the luxury Cisse will have at St James' Park with players who can actually pass to his feet" Obviously didn't see us yesterday.

I think there's seven current Premier League managers from the Glasgow area alone, amazing really.

I get upset about the Souness era every time I see Craig Bellamy kick a ball.

They hardly seem to give the ball to Ba at all, just aim crosses in his general direction. You've got to get it into his feet and let him make things happen.

Looks like half the Arsenal fans have gone home at half time.

Anyone seen the footage of Stevenage fans on SSN having drawn Spurs? What a set of sad cunts, wish nothing but ill on those bastards.