Today the FA confirmed that David Wagner will serve a two-match touchline ban for his conduct in the derby day victory over the champions of Europe. Wagner was reprimanded by the FA for entering the field of play for the second time this season without permission: when he hurtled onto the pitch to celebrate the late winner.
The Terriers head coach will be forced to watch on from the sidelines as Town take on Manchester City on Wednesday and face off against Newcastle on Saturday. Both clubs were given a £10,000 fine for failing to control their players in the incident initiated by Cardinal Garry Monk.
Whereas whiter than white Monk received a £3000 personal fine, Wagner was slapped with a £6000 fine for having the audacity to contest the charges against him. I think we can all agree that Wagner was in breach of the rules when he entered the pitch and that perhaps placing his hands on Monk was a misjudgement. However the timing of the ban certainly rankles a bit, for the coach to miss an important cup game and one of the biggest remaining league games is frustrating indeed.
Garry Monk, who received a one match touchline ban, will watch from the stands as his side face Birmingham on Friday. Missing your managers presence against a terrible team manged by the witless Zola doesn't seem to be too much of a hardship.
Zola will undoubtedly be delighted though, that he doesn't have to share the touchline with Monk and risk having his humility called into question in the form of a shoulder charge. The effect that the bans will have on the teams remains to be seen, I'm confident Town can continue their good form and use this as an opportunity to rally around a man they clearly respect.
Until next time UTT
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