Keith Hackett, which those of a certain age may remember as a Premier League referee, has called the FA’s decision not to punish Brentford’s Sergi Canos for attempting to headbutt Gjanni Alioski “idiotic” in an interview with Sheffield Live.

“I’ve got to tell you, that is an absolutely idiotic decision that damages the image of the game”

Hackett goes on to explain that not only does The FA’s failure to act set the wrong example for youngsters, but it also damages their own referees who are generally the people in the firing line and most likely target for criticism.

Jeremy Simpson, the referee for Leeds United’s 1-1 draw with Brentford has taken plenty of deserved criticism already after losing control of the fixture and making a number of bewildering decisions, not least his sending off of Luke Ayling for a tackle no worse than the one that Odubajo had laid on Jack Clarke minutes earlier and somehow escaped punishment for.

After failing to punish Sergi Canos for a clear act of violence, The FA further rubbed salt in to the wounds by sending a ‘please explain’ letter to Pontus Jansson following his criticism of the referee in a live interview post match. Unlike Canos, Jansson could potentially face a ban for his outburst, which suggests The FA consider an opinion more dangerous than outright violence.

Some Leeds fans have long claimed a conspiracy from the powers that be as bewildering decisions such as these routinely seem to punish the club and while I’ve never really subscribed to that suggestion, at times like these, you really do have to wonder.

Perhaps we should send The FA a ‘please explain’ letter for their utter incompetence.