Birmingham City FC

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FA reject Taylor ban call

18 Mar 2008 - 16:11:05

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The Football Association has rejected a call from FIFA to extend Martin Taylor's ban for the tackle which broke the leg of Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva.

The game's global governing body had called on the FA to increase the Birmingham City defender's three-match ban following his tackle which left the Croatia international fighting for his career.

Eduardo suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle following Taylor's challenge in a 2-2 draw with the Gunners at St Andrew's on February 23.

However, the FA are adamant that Taylor's suspension for serious foul play should remain at the regulation three matches

"It would be unreasonable at this stage of the season to change our disciplinary procedures purely on the basis of one case," said an FA spokesman.

"That would be a dangerous precedent to set.

"Serious foul play carries a three-match ban and the only cases where that has been increased is where there has been a clear case of intent and no-one is suggesting that happened in this case.

"We will be reviewing our procedures at the end of the season and consulting with the whole game and dangerous tackles are certainly an area we will be looking at.

"We will also be requesting a meeting with FIFA for their input."