EVERTON striker Richarlison looks certain to avoid any ban before the end of the season – after Merseyside POLICE began an investigation into his flare-throwing.
FA chiefs opened a probe into the Brazilian striker’s actions after he scored the vital winner against Chelsea on Sunday.
Richarlison looks set to avoid a ban before the end of the seasonCredit: GettyThe Everton star was seen throwing a lit flare back into the crowdCredit: Getty Images – GettyRicharlison reacted controversially after hitting a 46th-minute winner that ifted Everton to within two points of safety.Credit: Getty
Richarlison hurled a lit blue flare which had been thrown onto the pitch back into the Gwladys Street end.
Premier League refs’ chiefs conceded the striker should have been handed a red card for “violent conduct” and whistler Kevin Friend and his officials were asked for their reports.
FA beaks were then set to write to Everton and Richarlison for their observations before the anticipated opening of disciplinary proceedings.
That could have seen the striker hit by a three-game ban for his actions.
.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}EVERTON 1 CHELSEA 0 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}
Richarlison scores vital goal in race for Premier League safety
But the entire FA process has now been put on hold by the police intervention.
Wembley chiefs do not take any action if the police are themselves investigating, with the expectation that it would be some time before a final decision is made by the Merseyside cops.
Richarlison’s conduct would in any event then be considered under the FA’s “non-standard” disciplinary procedures, which take at least two weeks before even a hearing is scheduled.
That means it is now almost certain that no punishment will be possible before the end of the campaign.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Even then, it is likely that a fine and warning would be imposed, although a strict interpretation of regulations by a disciplinary committee could see the ban imposed.
But the police involvement and the short-term disciplinary hiatus will be a relief for Everton boss Frank Lampard who now knows his most important forward should be available for the remaining matches in their fight for Prem survival.
