FA accused of 'double standards' over letting off 'bad boy' Balotelli lightly

London, Apr 11(ANI): The Football Association (FA) has come under heavy scrutiny for its failure to further chastise Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli for his apparent unsafe studs-up attack on Arsenal midfielder Alex Song.

The FA's decision right away impelled an angry reaction from fans, as the outrage among them was conglomerated by the verdict to uphold the red card and suspension of Queens Park Rangers midfielder Shaun Derry for his sending-off against Manchester United.

Balotelli's tackle had been deemed clearly dangerous, but Derry made only the lightest of contact with Ashley Young, and conceded a highly litigious penalty.

"Shaun Derry red card stands. Who makes these decisions at the FA? Have they any feeling for the game? Beggars belief at times," The Telegraph quoted former England international, Gary Lineker, as saying.

QPR officials had accused Young of diving after Sunday's game and, it's understood that the club are incensed at news that Derry will be ineligible for tonight's crucial match at home to Swansea City.

"We feel we have been punished three times. The penalty was given, we were without the player for 75 minutes. We fully expected Shaun to be let off and be able to play," said Mark Bowen, the QPR assistant manager.

The incident related to Balotelli had goaded even more controversy, particularly as City manager Roberto Mancini had conceded that it should have been a straight red card.

The FA's reasoning for not charging Balotelli over the Song offence was that referee Martin Atkinson had confirmed that the incident was seen by himself or one of his assistants. (ANI)