Paul Thomas/Getty ImageMarouane Fellaini's ban was deserved, but officials must cut down on the penalty-area roughhousing seen above in the Stoke-Everton match that causes tempers to flare

As expected, the FA has taken retrospective action against Marouane Fellaini. His punishment for headbutting Stoke's Ryan Shawcross is a three-match ban. The big-haired Belgian will miss crucial games over the festive period starting with Saturday's trip to West Ham. Everton will also be without their top scorer for home games against Wigan and Chelsea.

Referee Mark Halsey saw the other incidents involving the pair but did not class them as violent. Therefore, facing the one charge of violent conduct, common sense has prevailed. At the time, a red card would have dealt with the incident and that carries a three-match ban. After reviewing the incident, the FA have upheld this logic and reached a rational decision. Although, given recent bans dished out by the FA, a number of opposition fans are sure to complain.

- FA sits Fellaini for three games

A number of pundits called for the FA to make an example of Fellaini but they ignored those misguided pleas. In truth, no example was required especially after the actions of Joey Barton against Manchester City last season. A certain high profile football show was one of a number who sorely missed the point in this embarrassing saga. Despite showing replays of the various incidents, the pundits completely overlooked the persistent grappling and holding of Fellaini by Shawcross.

The actions of Fellaini are inexcusable but the real problem is what preceded it. Wrestling the in penalty area is a constant issue but it usually goes unpunished. Ironically, the one player recently penalised was Fellaini in the draw at Manchester City. Match officials need to crack down on this side of the game; cut out the penalty-area wrestling and frayed tempers have no reason to surface. Players will have no excuse for taking the law into their own hands; providing officials use their position of power to put a stop to farcical set-piece shenanigans.

With the ban now decided, Everton enter the hectic festive period without their star player. Also shorn of the creative talents of Kevin Mirallas, this is a testing time for Everton and manager David Moyes. However, while the absence of those two will hurt Everton, this provides an opportunity for the other players to prove themselves.

Steven Naismith could move infield to fill the Fellaini void and this would allow him to rekindle his prolific Rangers partnership with Nikica Jelavic. The return of his former striking partner could be the fillip that returns Jelavic to his best form. Recently, too much focus has rested on Fellaini and, free from Fellaini’s shadow, the Croatian should receive better service from his teammates.

Other options include Ross Barkley, Bryan Oviedo and Thomas Hitzlsperger. All three have featured in recent matches and they will look to stake their claims should the chance arise. Overall, Fellaini can count himself lucky. Fellaini could have faced a much lengthier ban and the Belgian needs to wise up; opposing players may try to get under his skin after viewing Saturday’s events. Fellaini is too important for Everton and Moyes cannot afford any prolonged absences especially through ill discipline.

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email