EDEN HAZARD is set to escape further disciplinary action after FA chiefs spent an entire day studying footage of his clash with a Swansea ballboy.
Compliance bigwigs have still to reach a formal decision as to whether to hit the £32million Chelsea star with a disrepute charge.
But new footage emerged yesterday which appeared to confirm Hazard’s claim that he kicked the ball and not ballboy Charlie Morgan in Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg at the Liberty Stadium.
And with Chelsea confirming that they will not be appealing against Hazard’s red card, the feeling within the FA is that the Belgium international does not warrant further punishment.
Referee Chris Foy confirmed in his report that Hazard was dismissed for violent conduct, an offence which carries an automatic three-match ban.
South Wales Police last night revealed they have received three complaints from members of the public over the incident which stunned the nation.
But they are not planning to proceed with any criminal investigation after 17-year-old Morgan and his father, Swansea director Martin Morgan, made it clear they did not want to make a formal complaint.
Yet Hazard’s incredible bust-up was strongly condemned by Belgian FA chief Steven Martens, who said: “No person interested in football likes to see acts of violence — or a lack of respect — like this.
“It is unfortunate and, of course, it is not something we are proud of.
“It might have happened in the heat of the fire but professionals are expected to be able to control themselves.
“They have to be able to control their emotions and when they don’t, that’s unpleasant.
“Of course the Belgian FA doesn’t like it when one of our national squad players are involved in unpleasant incidents.
“But Eden is intelligent enough to understand that this is a lesson to be learned for him. All of us make mistakes in life.”
Hazard has been in trouble with the Belgian FA before when his frustration got the better of him during a Euro 2012 qualifier.
He stormed out of the stadium after being hauled off at half-time — and was then filmed tucking into a burger from a food van outside.
But Martens said he could understand the reasons why Hazard snapped, adding: “It is easy to judge from outside but you also have to see it from the player’s side too.
“I have been a professional sports coach for many years and the demands on all athletes and players are there day-in, day-out.
“Yes, we think these guys are well-paid and have a luxury life but on the other hand there is an expectation on them all the time.
“It’s not an excuse at all but it is something that could help us try to understand.
“Being in the spotlight demands a lot from you. Everything you do, you must be aware that you are being judged 100 times as much.”
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, meanwhile, said Hazard should not face any additional punishment over the unsavoury second-half incident.
Taylor said: “There is obviously a process which the FA have to go through and it is up to them what they decide.
“I don’t think the young lad involved would want to see Hazard punished further.
“The referee made the correct decision on the night and you do not want people to be hung, drawn and quartered for things that happen in the heat of the moment.
“What happened was disappointing but Hazard has shown remorse and the two clubs handled the matter very well.
“It will be seen as another stick to beat the game with but the game has always been about passion and emotions running high.
“It is a shame that this has overshadowed the wonderful achievements of Swansea and Bradford — two clubs who have faced extinction — in reaching the Capital One Cup final.”
Swans vice-chairman Leigh Dineen denied accusations the club had ordered their ballboys to deliberately go slow during Wednesday’s clash after teenager Morgan had boasted on Twitter before the game that he was needed to help with time-wasting.
Morgan tweeted prior to kick-off: “The king of all ballboys is back making his final appearance #needed #for #timewasting.”
But Dineen said: “There was absolutely no agenda.
“A few years ago the Stoke ballboys were told to wipe the ball for a long throw but we certainly don’t line the ballboys up and ask them to waste time.
“I don’t think it makes any difference whether someone is 17, 13 or 12. You can’t kick out.”
Source: The Sun
