I've always seen Halsey as one of the better referees and I certainly don't think there was anything intentional on his part and that he genuinely had his view blocked of the incident. But the view the linesman had of the incident was perfect and there was no excuse for him not to flag it up for the wreckless, dangerous assault that the challenge was.
Under the current rules the FA have acted consistently so it is maybe a change to the rules that is required. Two Newcastle players have been sent off this season for high challenges, Tiote at Sunderland and Coloccini against Liverpool but neither were anywhere near as bad as the challenge by Macmanaman, they served bans, why shouldn'd he? The ban should have been at least 4 games, 3 games for violent conduct and another game to reflect the game he should have lost by being sent off.
Also the video review system seems to be very selective, a case in point was Cabaye being retrospectively banned for an innoculous kick in the FA cup game against Brighton last season.
The FA certainly look after thier own.
The quality of decisions from officials this season seems to have gone downhill for me, I don't know why, maybe more and more pressure. Luckily this is the first game this season that Newcastle have lost a game due to poor officiating, mostly it's been down to poor play, but there is a bright side to rubbish refereeing, look at Sunderland's game on Sunday. They did alright eh?
