FOOTBALL Association chief executive Adam Crozier has taken steps to ensure his tough new disciplinary code is rigidly enforced.
Crozier personally instigated a crackdown on players' behaviour at the start of the season but in several decisions by the FA's disciplinary commission the code appears not to have been followed.
Crozier held a meeting with the FA's disciplinary sub-committee yesterday and afterwards said: ''We must now ensure the process is enforced rigidly.''
The move follows Patrick Vieira's one-match ban imposed for kicking Olivier Dacourt. He was found guilty of violent conduct and the new guidelines say this should carry a three-match suspension.
It is clear that Crozier has now read the riot act. The Vieira case was the latest in a series of inconsistencies the FA have dealt with.
Southampton's Hassan Kachloul was also given a one-match ban for clashing with Lee Bowyer, while Leicester's Matt Elliott was merely fined for elbowing Craig Bellamy.
The FA released a statement yesterday which read: ''Following recent reports surrounding the FA's disciplinary system the FA would like to make our position clear.
''At a meeting of the six secretaries this week (PFA, League Managers' Association, Premier League, Football League, FA and the Football Association of Wales), it was agreed the disciplinary guidelines were working well and were unanimously supported by all sides.
''The FA's chief executive Adam Crozier met with the FA disciplinary sub-committee at which everyone reaffirmed support for the procedures agreed at the season start.
''After the meeting Adam Crozier said: ''From the outset consistency has been our aim when administering disciplinary penalties. That remains the objective. Everyone in the game has agreed to this.
''Clubs and players need to understand what actions they will face if serious offences are committed. We must now ensure that the process is enforced rigidly.''
Barry Bright, chairman of the disciplinary committee, said: ''We recognise our responsibilities and are fully supportive of the system and the guideline punishments as laid down."
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