Posted by Today's Letter on January 11, 2008, 4:26 pm
90.210.123.146
FA have gone too far this time
SUPPORT is growing for Corsham Town manager Mel Gingell after he was handed a 22-match suspension.
Former Corsham chairman Doug Perry, who has been involved in Wiltshire senior football for over 50 years, has called for an independent inquiry into Gingell's case and the suspension of county FA secretary Mike Benson while it is carried out.
In an open letter to the Wiltshire FA Perry also calls for Gingell to be allowed an appeal to the national FA without paying the usual £500 fee.
In his letter, Perry writes: "In common with many people who follow Wiltshire football I was appaled to hear of the massive punishment handed out by your Association to Mel Gingell.
"I challenge the reasoning behind the severity of this punishment.
I was at two of the matches when these alleged offences occurred and the worst Mel did was to tell very mediocre officials what he thought of their performances.
"How can you possibly suspend someone for half a season for merely expressing an opinion?
"Most people believed you passed the buck in this instance and that clearly suggests you doubt your own abilities to ensure fair play.
"Under the circumstances I feel the immediate suspension of Mr Benson is essential until an independent body can be established to assess the facts.
"If this is not forthcoming I believe you are in danger of facing a charge of bringing the game into disrepute yourselves.
"If you are to regain the respect of clubs, players and spectators you must ensure that democracy is seen to prevail."
Gingell has been given further support by fellow managers in the Toolstation League.
One Toolstation League manager said: "I think it's disgusting. It's a complete stitch-up. It revolves around one person and I think we all know who that is."
Another said: "It's shocking. I think they are trying to get rid of characters like Mel. It's going to become really boring if you're on the touchline and you don't say anything at all.
"I think the Wilts FA have gone too far, it was much better when refs gave you as much as you gave them."
Another manager said: "I think it's a bit harsh and he's hard done by. It seems a bit ridiculous to be out for half a season."
In a further twist Corsham Town chairman John Gingell has apologised for comments made in last week's Wiltshire Times following a stormy FA meeting this week.
John Gingell said: "As a member of the Wilts FA disciplinary committee I should not have criticised Mike Benson of wanting revenge over past incidents with Mel Gingell as there is no proof of this, so on behalf of Corsham Town and myself, we apologise for the press report."
But Gingell reiterated that Corsham Town were still unhappy with the length of the suspension.
Mel Gingell's ban was imposed by the Somerset FA after Wiltshire passed the the cases over to avoid claims of discrimination.
The full text of Doug Perry's open letter to members of the Wiltshire FA.
Dear Sirs,
In common with many people who follow Wiltshire football I was appalled to hear of the massive punishment handed out by your Association to Mel Gingell, manager of Corsham Town Football Club.
As some of you know I have been involved in county senior football for over 50 years in various capacities, from player to club president.
I also served on the Wiltshire League management committee for a number of years. I therefore believe that I am able to speak with some experience.
I understand that Mel has been banned from the touch line and severely restricted from carrying out his managerial duties for 22 matches which really means for the rest of the current season. This will severely affect the club and will jeopardise the efforts being made to retain the Western League title. It also punishes the players and supporters alike.
I challenge the reasoning behind the severity of this punishment.
I was at two of the matches when these alleged offences occurred and the worst Mel did was to tell very mediocre officials what he thought of their performances.
He never offered violence or threatened anyone and in the Devizes game his suggestion that the player was not seriously injured and should get up was confirmed by the ambulance people who had him walking within five minutes.
There is no doubt in the minds of ALL the spectators that on that evening Corsham Town were robbed of the points by a very gullible official and an over protective physio.
There are many other aspects of this match that have not been properly investigated and now probably never will be.
One thing is certain you have set a precedent in showing clubs how to avoid a heavy defeat and get a match replayed.
There is a lack of consistency on the way you punish people.
If a player is sent off for striking an opponent he is suspended for three or four games.
Foul and abusive language usually gets two to three games.
How can you possibly suspend someone for half a season for merely expressing an opinion?
Foul and abusive language is being shouted at referees by players all through most games and despite appeals from spectators goes unpunished.
Why is one man singled out for excessive punishment?.
Most people believed you passed the buck in this instance and that clearly suggests you doubt your own abilities to ensure fair play.
We are fortunate to live in a democracy and our laws state, a person is innocent until proven guilty.
You have reversed this and in addition applied a financially prohibitive appeal scheme allowing justice only to those who can afford it.
It is well known in the county that there is history between Mel Gingell and Mike Benson and that resulted in the Wiltshire FA losing Mel as its very successful youth team manager.
The fact that people are openly stating that this has effected the ban indicates major problems within your organisation and reflects a total lack of confidence in the Wiltshire Football Association.
Under the circumstances I feel the immediate suspension of Mr Benson is essential until an independent body can be established to assess the facts.
If this is not forthcoming I believe you are in danger of facing a bringing the game into disrepute charge yourselves.
I would like to remind you that you were elected by the associated football clubs of Wiltshire to administer the game fairly and without favour.
I know many of you personally and I know you to be genuine people who try to work in the best interests of football.
I would urge you to re-examine this decision and ensure justice is done and that the punishment is modified to fit the crime.
If you fail to address this situation you have failed to serve those who elected you.
You urgently need to put your house in order.
In view of the strong feeling throughout the county this ban should be temporarily suspended and a free appeal should be allowed, in this case to The Football Association at Soho Square.
If you are to regain the respect of clubs, players and spectators you must ensure that democracy is seen to prevail.
Doug Perry
2:57pm today
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