I was at the game last night and have to say I have never seen a worse foul in my 20 years as a season ticket holder. It was not a challenge it was assault. Pure and simple. Thatcher is not a footballer, he is a thug and charges for assault should be brought for that awful elbow / forearm smash on Mendes. On behalf of City fans, I apologise to Mendes and Portsmouth FC and I too hope Thatcher gets the book thrown at him. The referee was an absolute disgrace to give him a yellow card for that - it was the most blatant red I have ever seen.
The comment above about Psycho I feel is inaccurate. Stuart Pearce was a quality hard tackling left back and never resorted to violence like that. In fact, I would say that Thatcher is the opposite as that wasn't a hard man's challenge it was cowardly in the extreme.
I would like to see City take action before the FA do and ban Thatcher for ten games to uphold our reputation and support for fair play. I can not put into the words the embarrasment and anger I feel for that challenge.
I hope that Mendes makes a speedy recovery and is not out of action for too long.
The fact that Gallagher gave Thatcher a yellow card apparantley means that the FA can't do anything more. Surely, the ref didn't see it clearly to give him a yellow for that? The FA should set a precedent here and overrule the ref and slap Thatcher with a ten game ban for assault.
The other point I suppose is whether Thatcher has a case to answer for assault in a criminal proceeding. If someone reported that the Greater Manchester Police, they have all the evidence they need on video and I am sure would be able to press criminal charges.
Thatcher is a disgrace to the shirt of my club.