Does the FA have guidelines on the punishment of Racism?

Everyone has there opinions, had there say and berated all involved in the recent racism issues that have cast a shadow over the Premier League. The one question that remains unanswered what guidelines or measures do the FA refer to when conducting investigations with reference to racism?

Sanctions for accumulating a number of yellow cards and the seriousness of red card offences are widely known. The FA use the key, for want of a better term, to ascertain a correct and just suspension and fine. There is no such key for racism. The Football Association would take great delight in justifying this as a result of there work in riding the national game of the problem. That is all well and good blowing ones trumpet but which way do they turn when the nasty issue raises its head, as it has this season.

Suarez’s punishment has only been handed down this week over two months after the incident. During this time interviews, statements and evidence have been collected in a variety of ways from numerous sources. In the meantime, media speculation has mounted around the reasons for the extended period of investigation. This has been compounded by another race issue with regards to John Terry, Suarez’s reported gesture at the Cottage, JT’s case being passed to the CPS. Could it be said as a result of the FA’s faffing about they have backed themselves into a corner? Time, hassle and criticism could have been avoided if there were clear measures outlined.

Without delving into the details of John Terry’s well documented case, the FA have given themselves a slighty larger headache depending of the impending court appearance of the Chelsea captian. This has been compunded with the punishment handed out to the Liverpool forward this week and the anger that has followed. Whichever way the outcome of JT’s case goes the FA will feel obliged to hand out a punishment. Unfortunately this now will be based on the Suarez punishment of an eight game ban depending on appeal. Seeing as though Terry’s case is deemed serious enough to be passed to the CPS, the game waits with bated breath another verdict.

The FA have maintained a correct and stern stance of the ugly issue of racism which has no place in the game but the when coming to a conclusion I believe that faith is lost as no one knows what they are marking the case against. Measures need to be drawn up in order to implement a level playing field.