PATRICE EVRA BLASTS 'BULLY' FA
'They only picked on me because I play for United'
PATRICE EVRA has angrily accused the FA of picking on him because he plays for Manchester United.
The French defender was named and shamed by the FA on their website after being given a four-match ban and £15,000 fine for his part in the Stamford Bridge pitch brawl last season.
But in a blistering attack on football's governing body, Evra insisted: "The ban is ridiculous. It is not fair.
"Honestly, it is very difficult for me to accept. All I can say is that this has happened to me because I play for Manchester United.
"I want to know how they can justify banning me for four games when I haven't hurt anybody."
The FA's unprecedented statement makes it very clear they held the 27-year-old full-back entirely to blame for provoking the 30-man melee, effectively branding him a liar.
The four-man disciplinary commission which investigated the Battle of the Bridge concluded that "aggressive" Evra had struck Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell on the head and "physically assaulted" groundsman Jason Griffin.
The report also described Evra's own account of the dust-up as "exaggerated," "unreliable." "far-fetched" and "ridiculous" and accuses United of providing inconsistent and misleading evidence.
But on the eve of United's FIFA Club World Cup final against Ecuador's Liga de Quito in Tokyo, a stunned Evra hit back.
He stormed: "I am aware the FA have published this report on their website and I think it is unbelievable.
"How can the FA take me away from my club for four games when I haven't punched or hurt anybody?
"It has been on my mind for the last few days and I can't get over the shock and disappointment.
"Listen, I don't think what happened is fair.
"I have to respect the suspension because there is no other way.
"But it means I will be even more motivated to do well for United when I come back."
Ironically, his first game back will be against CHELSEA at Old Trafford on January 11.
"I already have this game in my mind," he added.
"And I will spend the time making sure I am prepared perfectly for Chelsea.
"I will be working extra hard in the gym and in training and facing Chelsea will be my motivation."
His ban kicks in after today's Tokyo clash. United boss Sir Alx Ferguson is furious that the FA published its report.
And Old Trafford chief executive David Gill will confront FA chairman Lord Triesman about the website statement when he flies into Tokyo for today's match.
Evra declared: "This game is a big opportunity for Manchester United and for the players as individuals.
"You only get here by winning the Champions League and so this kind of chance comes to you maybe once in your lifetime.
"We want to the first English team to win this tournament. We want to create history because that is why we are Manchester United.
"When you play for this club you have to try to win everything.
"I dream about being a world champion. People might be surprised by that but how many times can a player say he is a champion of the world?"
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This article has 7 comments
Look at the picture. It shows 2 Chelsea men trying to prevent that Chelsea guy from punching Evra. His right hand is also seen as trying to aim a punch. Evra just sticks out his tongue and try to block the punch with his palm. What's wrong with sticking your tongue and saying, "Nah... you can't hit me... you little ******..."
By Diablo Rouge.. Posted December 22 2008 at 2:57 AM.
I am livid about this 4 match ban for Evra. Lets think about this carefully! There was no match being played, and the incident was involved with people other than the United lads who dont play for a team. There is an alleged alligation of racism. The police should have been involved and a thorough investigation carried out. Why is Patrice Evra banned? No football match was been played. The Chelsea groundsman was fined, he is not banned for his involvement, so it just doesn't make sense, other than the anti United brigade who are trying there best to stop United from winning the Premiership. You only have to look at the fixtures on how they have been manipulated to go against United. United have played all the big boys before the end of November, so why are we playing Chelsea in January and Liverpool and Arsenal in March and May respectively? Oh I know, it makes it more interesting and puts more pressure on United on the run in to the finnish!
By Dave.. Posted December 22 2008 at 2:01 AM.
What is it about MU players? Do the think they have
right to do as they please,when they please? It
sure looks like it. Maybe its Ferguson reving them up
If they feel its so unfair why not appeal? MU you
might be World Champions, but to the rest of the world you're WORLD CHUMPS acting and performing
like spoilt brats
By Dennis Hart.. Posted December 21 2008 at 11:57 PM.
He is only telling how it is. These old, pathetic men in the FA has no feeling whatsoever, to what is going on in football of today. They are living in a fantasy world, sitting at their desk trying to rule football by means of a sort of "managing-by-fear". And who else than Manchester United should be their dream target? They are everything these men hate: a succesful team, a brillant business and a management-team that makes the FA organization something to laugh about.
Instead of being proud of a club that brings so much glory to English football, they do everything they can to make life harder for them. Even by taking such steps against a United-player as we see here. Shame in you!
By Per .. Posted December 21 2008 at 6:46 PM.
His 4 match ban was because Evra tried to play the racism card. i.e. he reacted the way he did because of a racist remark. This was "not proved". In other words he lied about this too, to try to win his case. This is absolutely indefenceable. He knew that if proved he would have received a lot of sympathy and the Chelsea groundsman would have been destroyed. Evra you are the scum of the earth.
By Marian Humphries.. Posted December 21 2008 at 12:03 PM.
WOULD IT BE FAIR TO SAY THAT THAT FERGY THINKS HE IS THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE WITH HIM AS MANAGER AND HIS PLAYERS UNDER HIM THEY NEVER DO ANYTHING WRONG IT'S ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSES FAULT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF LOONEY ROONEY THERE IS NO HOPE FOR HIM, MY OPINION OF HIM IS OH HELL I CANNOT SAY.
By JIMMY WILSON.. Posted December 21 2008 at 6:21 AM.
Now if Evra had hit, punched, whacked, assaulted an opposing player on the field of play, he would have rightly been red-carded and given a THREE match ban. So why the FOUR match ban here? Oh I forgot - the kangaroo court wanted him banned for Chelsea's visit to OT, but they forgot to take into account UTD's semi final game in the Carling Cup. What a load of idiots.
By Whataboutfairness.. Posted December 21 2008 at 12:28 AM.