David Meyler will not face FA Cup Final ban over Adnan Januzaj ‘stamp’

Referee Craig Pawson tells officials he was looking directly at the incident

Manchester United’s Tom Lawrence (right) and Hull City’s Republic of Ireland international David Meyler battle for the ball. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA
Manchester United’s Tom Lawrence (right) and Hull City’s Republic of Ireland international David Meyler battle for the ball. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Hull City's David Meyler will not be banned for the FA Cup final for his apparent stamp on Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj after the Football Association decided not to take retrospective action against the Republic of Ireland midfielder.

The referee, Craig Pawson, has told FA officials that he was looking directly at the incident which took place during Tuesday’s 3-1 win for United at Old Trafford.

Under the rules allowing cases to be dealt with retrospectively, as the referee had a clear, unobstructed view it is not classed as the incident having not been seen by match officials.

Following the game, interim United boss Ryan Giggs lashed out at Meyler over the incident despite admitting he had not seen it at the time.

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“It’s a joke,” the United interim player-manager said. “I didn’t see the incident, but I have seen his leg.

“It is the second time it has happened to him this season and it’s not great to see. It’s terrible, his leg. He needs protecting, he is a brilliant player, he is exciting and the authorities need to stamp down on it, whether that can happen now but it was bad.

“I have not seen the stamp but I have seen his leg and it is bad. The cut goes from his knee to his ankle.”