Whatever hopes Jonjo Shelvey may have harboured for rekindling his England career were cast asunder by the Football Association this afternoon. But that’s the least of his worries.
The midfielder was found guilty by an Independent Regulatory Commission of “using abusive and/or insulting words towards an opponent.” Romain Saiss of Wolves in case you were blissfully ignorant.
In addition, the allegation, as proven by this commission, cited a “reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality.”
In other words, Jonjo Shelvey has been cast as a racist. The player and club are waiting for the FA to provide them with the written judgement so that they can plan their appeal. Newcastle said that they felt enough witnesses had been provided to refute the charges. Not enough in number or credibility, obviously.
It should be noted that the primary evidence came from third parties as Saiss didn’t at the time have sufficient grasp of English to understand what is alleged to have been said.
The Daily Mail reports that Shelvey called Saiss “a smelly Arab”. Some doubt has to be cast on the Mail’s ability to provide a true report of the incident; they don’t have the best track record when it comes to the truth. They aren’t known as the Daily Heil for nothing.
Shelvey’s reputation teeters on the brink of being shattered. Even if he successfully appeals against the five-match ban and £100,000 fine, his character is forever stained in some eyes. For them, he will always be the BNP poster boy, even if his political views are the polar opposite of the vile nationalists.
That is something Newcastle United will consider once the matter is finally settled. No matter what anyone thinks, there is a brand to protect and the club directors will be thinking of that in conjunction with the desire to return to the Premier League.
There’s no doubt Shelvey is a key player this season. He has been the leading light on the pitch but will now miss five games: Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Brentford and Rotherham United. The instant reaction is that we ought to be able to win those matches without him anyway.
And that’s where the strange morality that football engenders comes to the surface. Shelvey offered Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic as witnesses. It didn’t, in the eyes of the commission, absolve him of the charge of what is alleged to have been said. Wolves must have produced some compelling testimony for the charge to be proven. Hearsay evidence has to be strong to be credible.
Which is the issue Newcastle United have to consider. If, after an appeal, Shelvey is still found guilty, what impact does that have on the squad? Football is a broad church and offers employment to all races, creeds and cultures. Can squad embrace this kind of behaviour or is it a case of putting up and shutting up until the aims for the season are achieved?
Will it impact on his relationships with players of other nationalities? Do they consider that they know the man well enough to cast doubt on whether it was sort of thing he would say? If it does impact, is it all swept under the carpet until the end of the season when players can be quietly moved on if they are unhappy with the way club dealt with the issue?
Yet it’s a sport stained with racism on a regular basis although the question has to be asked if the FA can fine Shelvey £100k, why do UEFA levy paltry fines for similar offences against eastern European nations?
For supporters, it’s another question to ask themselves. It’s a deeply personal one as well. Can you support Jonjo Shelvey on the pitch if any appeal fails or he accepts the verdict? Where do you personally draw the line? Forgive for ninety minutes and then forget? Chant his name? I can’t do the latter if this charge sticks, that’s for certain.
I know some will try to trivialise matters, claiming it’s nothing more than cartoon racism, a throwback to the knockabout days of Love Thy Neighbour. The problem with that argument is that ‘cartoon racism’ is still racism.
Do you consider it to be trivial enough to ignore? Does it not even bother you? Football fans are notorious for putting their personal morals to one side for the good of the team but surely everyone has a line in the sand? As with most lines, it’s wavy not straight.
At what point do your personal beliefs become more important that the game? I can’t answer that for you; it’s personal, it’s up to you.
For me, any respect I have for Jonjo Shelvey as a human being hangs in the balance. I hope he clears his name on appeal; it’s an awful tag to be appended to your character.
I’d hate for anything to tarnish the club as well, and god knows Mike Ashley’s business dealings have already dragged us through the mud this year.
From the stands, it would make for an uneasy relationship between us. I want Newcastle to win and every time he scored, I know the hypocrisy of which I would stand accused by jumping up and cheering. Guilty as charged, m’lud. It’s why I said earlier that this is personal; there’s no right or wrong answer beyond your own.
Should Newcastle United sack Shelvey? Most companies would but the board will argue that football is different. Clubs don’t get shot of players very readily; it’s too much of an investment to write off and invariably strengthens rivals.
It’s unlikely it would cost them further cash as most players have deals which take into account their off-the-pitch behaviour so no pay-off would be required.
But with supporters banned for racist behaviour, should clubs take the same attitude toward the players? A modicum of talent can’t exempt them from the same morality which is applied to you or I, can it?
Football, as Jimmy Greaves used to say, is a funny old game. Except this time, it’s nothing to do with saints and everything to do with sinners.
Shelvey is an absolute knacker! When will he learn to keep his anger in check. I’ve saw it before at Lpool etc and just recently when he kicked out @forest
He has the potential to be a real leader, a bit like J Barton, but he also seems to have his hot-headedness . Hopefully it can be forgotten about if we can march on without him, if we lose points because of his absence, he will be blamed by many
Gashley(Quote)
how true is this???
A Chinese consortium are in advanced talks to take over Newcastle United.and willing to spend 810 mil which buying the club and spending on players,or is it rubbish?? mind they are spending a lot on football lately
icedog(Quote)
Personally I believe what Shelvey and the club have said. The uncertainty is what needed avoiding as it would have been unsettling for everyone, players, fans and management.
The whole affair is bollocks and I won’t hold anything against the guy and have little respect for those that do. The FA is notoriously stupid in these things.
georgio(Quote)
Icedog please, please dont get my hopes up mate. You know I want rid of Ashley that has never changed despite Rafa Benitez joining the club. Ashley will want 400 million easy so I doubt its true.
Stem(Quote)
How can we forget that Ashley is a nightmare waiting to happen. A ticking time bomb.
Stem(Quote)
it might happen mate you never know but Rafa would stay with the promise of a lot of cash to spend
icedog(Quote)
so Hull have triggered a extra year on Snodgrass contract keeping him there until 2018 🙁
icedog(Quote)
STEM 400 mil is nothing to them mate they have cash to burn some how,they been trying to get messie would give him 100mil for two year contract,thats just for one player,bloody madness
icedog(Quote)
Icedog the scum’s up for sale mate. I’m getting nervous it’s more likely to be them. Ashley ambition isn’t really ambition in my eyes.
Stem(Quote)
Well the Chinese have just agreed a £60m deal for Oscar by the looks of it.
I’m no fan of Ashley that’s for sure, but I’m a little apprehensive of change just as we have found a bit of stability.
I think Ashley would sell us tomorrow at the right price & it’s no secret the Chinese could and probably would meet that.
Ashley made his billions with opportune deals and this would certainly be one.
Can’t say I like the idea of this Chinese takeover of the PL mind.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Do we really want Chinese owners? I’d be careful what we wish for. Things are just starting to go right.
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham – that’s my feeling on it mate. Now Ashley has stepped right away and left the running of the club to Charnley – and Charnley woke up and smelt the coffee – things are going much better.
We go up & I see Rafa staying a long time as he will have the running of the club – but new owners may start interfering and put Rafa off.
Sharpy17(Quote)
file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/the-fa-v-mr-jonjo-shelvey—written-reasons-final.pdf
the written reasons
icedog(Quote)
Ice, I read the ruling. Shelvey called the Wolves player a ***** or a c@nt. We can rule that one out for punishment as Jamie Vardy was clearly seen on TV calling a Ref a Fckn bald C2nt and got nothing. What remains is that Shelvey called the player an Arab and whether that is racist or offensive. It probably is in this context, and it looks likely that he did say it after reading the evidence.
I am not sure how Shelvey knew the guy was Moroccan though. I had never heard of him but then again I don’t have to play against him.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
sorry but you get it through here,fair bit to read
http://www.thefa.com/news/2016/dec/23/jonjo-shelvey-newcastle-united-written-reasons-231216
icedog(Quote)
imo the whole show stinks,lets just hope we can get but without him,hes back to play against Hoots
icedog(Quote)
Steven Taylor’s out of contract ?
Stem(Quote)
I still don’t get why Sam Allardyce prepared a dossier on Crystal Palace – their games, players and his proposed transfer targets. This had supposedly been seen by the owners before Pards was sacked. Did he do it of his own volition or was he asked to do so?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If Allardyce went to the Palace owners trying to undermine Pardew and putting himself forward then that makes him even more of a snake than the Telegraph interview and his shenanigans trying to get players to sign with his Agent who was giving kickbacks to his son.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So Shelvey bit and used racist language. Not the end of the world, probably does not mean he is racist – but he reacted in the wrong way and deserves to be punished. What grates on me is the fact he has lied throughout about it. What’s done is done but he needs to grow up now and be the kind of player we know he can be if he could just keep his mind focused and his mouth in check.
Shamrock(Quote)
I was hoping Glass man would help his old boss out.
Stem(Quote)
Actaully, even if the Yanks asked for the dossier, Allardyce is still a snake.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Shamrock totally agree with you on Shelvey. Frustration more than anything, easy to bite sort of thing.
Stem(Quote)
I know this may bore some people on here but it does concern 2 ex-NUFC managers. According to the Mail, Allardyce playing dirty again:
“The former England manager has been on Palace’s radar for over a month as the club’s shareholders pondered Pardew’s position given their poor start to the season.
Indeed, Sportsmail can reveal that Americans Josh Harris and David Blitzer — joint majority shareholders with chairman Steve Parish — were sent a dossier from Allardyce including detailed statistics of the club’s squad and season so far. ”
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If he was asked to prepare the dossier, the honourable thing to do would be to prepare it and say that they have a Manager in place who he respects and he will give them his findings if and when Pardew is relieved of his duties.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Now that I think about it, Palace basically tapped up Pardew when he was with us and that was before the Yanks even invested. Obviously, I had no complaints about them taking Pardew but I think they were in talks with him without permission.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
one of the things jabba got right and kick his ***,cost 4 mil to do it like
icedog(Quote)
We might have tapped up Schteve before he was sacked?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
it was said we did hence why they sack hin and didnt reject the storeys out right
icedog(Quote)
It’s mad to think some fans are starting to warm to Ashley. Me too.. but I agree with stem, he’s a time bomb . We have been awful under Ashley, we’re in the championship ffs….but times are changing, slowly.
My only concern is IF we get promoted, how long will Rafa hang around with limited funds and interference from Charnley, selling our best players…hmmm I’d quite like to see some real investment from a Chinese consortium myself
Gashley(Quote)
It might not fit in with the ultra PC world but in my opinion calling someone an Arab really ain’t the end of the world and really doesn’t deserve even a mention let alone a 5 match ban. Personally I think it’s utter madness!
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart: I do not know where the line is drawn anymore. I mentioned before, what if he was Greek and Jonjo said you Greek c@nt, is that racist?
Anyway, I think this tapping up is a big problem. It happens all of the time with players and is supposed to be against the FA and FIFA rules. Now it seems to be happening with Managers. And Big Fat Sam was just fired for pushing the envelope on FA rules and now he completes a dossier angling for the job of a Manager who is still employed. That can’t be right, whether he was asked to do it or not and you think the fat oaf would know better after he just lost his dream job. Again, I cannot see why the press are not asking questions.
I know I am in a minority of one here in thinking it is a problem (maybe 2 with Ice) but I do not see how the ruling bodies can set these rules and then flagrantly turn a blind eye it when they are ignored or broken.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
agree 100% and yes ime with you all the way,i thought i was the only one thinking that way
icedog(Quote)
So what was the P word Shelvey used? Paki? if so, said in an aggressive way and a derogatory way…so yeah, id say its racist.
Gashley(Quote)
Peasant. A really stupid term that it appears footballers use when they are making tons of money and their opponent isn’t in their wage bracket. Rather pathetic really.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, the average English footy player isn’t exactly a rocket scientist, what do you expect ?
Delusional Jawdee(Quote)
There’s a new thread on newsnow about transfers that seems to be live but it is not on here?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
No one knows what the FA are going to do. Shelvey kicked out at the Forest player on camera, in retaliation but nevertheless he still kicked out. The FA then rescind his three game ban. Then there is a claim made that he has said something but the referee did not hear or see anything, no camera or microphone picked anything up and there is no evidence. If it was a court then it probably wouldn’t even be taken up by the prosecution, for lack of evidence. Yet the FA find him guilty and give him a three game ban and £100,000 fine. I can only think he is guilty and does not want to appeal, otherwise he could surely take the FA to a real court with his legal representatives. The FA are an absolute farce and a law unto themselves.
DJG(Quote)
Well I’m bloody nightshift tonight so thought I’d get in early.
Just wanted to wish everyone on here a very merry Christmas. I hope Santa is good to you and all your family. Drink lots, eat too much & enjoy the company of those you are with ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpster, pity you have to work bonny lad, all the best to you and your family. The beer will still be cold in the fridge when your finished work mate ..
Delusional Jawdee(Quote)
Is this still the latest thread? Just want to wish everybody a very merry Christmas… have a great day all… ?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Merry Chriatmas all ?
Just about to go to bed, nicely half cut and standing by for the kids bouncing on my bed at some ungodly hour expecting at least 3 thousand presents apiece. Joyous!
Sharpy, fortunately I got Christmas off this year, but know the feeling with 24-hour shift work only too well. I hope you still get some quality time with your family and the shift goes quick.
Ho Ho Ho! ?
Shamrock(Quote)
Merry xmas lads and lasses.
YouYew(Quote)
Merry ho ho to all !
georgio(Quote)
Merry Christmas lads and lasses, hope you are enjoying your day. 🙂
Looking forward to seeing the game on tv tomorrow.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Merry Christmas
Eric Sykes(Quote)
George Michael dead on Christmas Day. 2016 has not been a good year for artistic talent.
Shamrock(Quote)
Well, 2016 can f off.
RIP George, what a wonderful voice you had and what a great songwriter you were.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goroyZbVdlo
Kimtoon(Quote)
There is a new thread up guys, hope you all had a great chrimbo
Jake Swinburn(Quote)
would be handy if you put the bloody link up
icedog(Quote)
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2016/12/26/reflections-sheffield-wednesday-and-looking-forward/
Andy Magpie(Quote)
What blog posts for governmental commentary should you would suggest me to see?
World Market promo(Quote)