Mark Clattenburg has now spoken exclusively to We Are Palace about the apparent punch on James Tarkowski from Christantus Uche.
The Crystal Palace No.12 appeared to jab the England international in the stomach shortly after coming on in the 89th minute of Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Everton on Merseyside.
A VAR check did take place for violent conduct – which resulted in no action being taken – and Mark Clattenburg has now told We Are Palace why the Nigeria international is unlikely to face any retrospective punishment from the Football Association (FA) either.
Exclusive: Mark Clattenburg believes Christantus Uche should have been sent off but shares why FA charge is unlikely
The 50-year-old said: “Christantus Uche is unlikely to face any retrospective action after appearing to punch James Tarkowski on Sunday.
“The incident would have been checked by VAR and deemed not worthy of a red card. The Football Association do not re-referee matches when incidents are seen by the match officials, which now includes VAR. I do believe (however) that the VAR should have recommended a review for a red card for violent conduct.”
Mark Clattenburg at the Conifa Paddy Power World Football Cup 2018
Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
In the days before VAR arrived, retrospective action could be taken on Uche – who almost won a penalty on his debut – by the FA on the basis that match officials failed to see the incident.
However, in the era of technology, few key moments are missed, so the FA have less of a need to indulge in any retrospective action.
Tarkowski deserves credit for not making a meal of the punch, as those in the VAR booth quite easily could have chosen to hand Uche a straight red card and a three-match ban for his actions.
Oliver Glasner set to lose Christantus Uche for three games – at least – regardless
Despite managing to escape a ban, Uche – who impressed on his debut against Sunderland – will miss a minimum of three games for Crystal Palace this winter when the Africa Cup of Nations begins.
Nigeria are in Group C and face clashes against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
Christantus Uche in action for Nigeria against Jamaica
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Considered as one of the favourites to win the competition, we would expect Nigeria and Uche to progress out of the Group Stage, so he is likely to miss more than three games.
Ismaila Sarr and Chadi Riad are also set to be absent this winter if they are included in the Senegal and Morocco squads respectively.