Violent Conduct by Nemanja Vidic?

In contrast to Robbie Fowler's violent conduct that was acknowledged during the match by the referee and therefore prevented any official match review, here's a recent incident of violent conduct that did escape the referee's attention and therefore may be reviewed. The incident happened during the match between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United on Saturday 22 August 2009.


[Referee Howard Webb's physical man management skills]

It was reported 23 August 2009 (a day after the match) that:

Manchester United centre back Nemanja Vidic is facing trial by TV after appearing to slap Wigan centre forward Hugo Rodallega. Tempers flared when the striker clattered into United keeper Ben Foster in an attempt to win the ball.

Last night the FA confirmed that they will look at the incident and Vidic could face a three-match ban.

As a result, Howard Webb the match referee was asked by the FA to give his view. After reviewing the replay of the incident, Webb has given Vidic the benefit of the doubt (innocent until proven guilty).

Webb reported that he had been following the play and had not noticed the two players come together but he also felt the television pictures were inconclusive and could not say he was certain it was a deliberate offence.

Referees like to be as certain as they can when giving decisions. Even a non-decision is a decision!


References
Vidic is left facing trial by television over Rodallega slap (Daily Mail)
Nemanja Vidic escapes punishment over Hugo Rodallega clash (Guardian)