Manchester City's appeal against the FA regarding the Martin O'Neill headbutt incident was accepted by an independent regulatory commission.
Initially, the FA had decided to suspend O'Neill's coaching license for an indefinite period and fine City £750,000.
In retaliation, City appealed to the independent regulatory commission regarding the FA's statement of an indefinite suspension. City argued that the decision was unjust and disproportionately harsh, questioning the fairness of such a suspension without clear justification.
With no other choice, the FA changed their stance and decided to reduce it to a two-year ban!
City found themselves in a difficult position. In truth, O'Neill was a fitting example for a case like this—but once again, Richard's City, under the guidance of Shepherd and Barry, launched another appeal.
They argued that the headbutt was unintentional, stating: "There seemed to be a slight contact of the nose, to be precise."
