Martinez Hit With Fine

Well did we expect the FA to back down? The short answer is no. In the modern game if you have an opinion about the officals then your best bet, is to keep it to yourself otherwise face the wrath of the annoyed Football Association. This time round it looks like Martinez has gotten off lightly a small fine (£10,000) in terms of footballing money, and nothing else.

There could have always been bigger repercussions, as the FA are known for their tough handling of such affairs. As it is, Roberto has had a slap on the wrists and told to watch himself.

An offical FA statment read:

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has been fined £10,000 after he admitted a charge of misconduct in relation to media comments made after his side’s game against Manchester United on 15 September 2012.

The charge was in relation to a breach of FA Rule E3 concerning media comments which implied that the match referee and/or match officials in general are motivated by bias and/or brought the game into disrepute.

Martinez, who had requested a personal hearing, was also warned as to his future conduct.

Source: FA