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Last Updated: Tuesday, 27 July, 2004, 10:17 GMT 11:17 UK
Red card means instant ban
Leicester's James Scowcroft (left) is sent off by referee Neale Barry last season
Players sent off in the new season will automatically be banned from the next game under a new disciplinary scheme piloted by the Football Association.

The new fast-track system, introduced to comply with a Fifa directive, will be implemented for the forthcoming season and reviewed next summer.

Improper conduct offences, which are usually punished by a fine rather than a ban, are not included in the scheme.

The FA believe it will "improve speed and clarity" but "maintain fairness".

The Video Advisory Panel, which previously only offered recommendations, has been discontinued in favour of a Disciplinary Commission including co-opted members.

Former England manager Graham Taylor, plus former players Robbie Earle and Gary Mabbutt, are among the new pool of 'laypeople' who will look at cases.

The new disciplinary scheme applies to primarily on-field, player-related offences affecting players' participation in subsequent matches, including sending-off offences not seen by the match officials.

It is not in the interests of any of the parties involved for cases to take a long time to resolve
FA statement
Players will no longer be allowed a personal hearing in such cases, as the FA seeks to remove the delays involved in arranging witnesses and legal representation.

Instead, for offences unseen by the match officials, the player will be 'offered' the sanction that corresponds to the offence.

If he accepts, the suspension begins with immediate effect. If he denies the charge, the case will go to a Disciplinary Comission within a week.

Personal representation will still be allowed at the appeal stage in certain cases, and for incidents outside the jurisdiction of the match officials.

The Disciplinary Commission will also have to power to introduce sanctions for what the FA calls "frivolous appeals", which could increase any sanction already imposed.

This could be, for example, failing to provide a video, frivolous mistaken identity, wrongful dismissal claims, or frivolous denials of charges.

The FA plans to recruit extra staff to cope with the new fast-track system, which covers all Premier League, Football League and Conference matches, as well as cup competitions.

"The key issue is viewing cases and deciding upon the appropriate course of action swiftly and efficiently," it said in a statement.




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