Not wanting to get into the events of the trial and verdict, but more interested in the timing of the trial which looks like playing a crucial part in deciding who gets automatic promotion.
If the trial had taken place 2 weeks later, it's hard to see United dropping the 4 points in the last 2 games that look like costing them automatic promotion, as he was scoring goals right until the handcuffs were locked.
Conversely, if the trial had been earlier in the season, and Evans had misssed several months of the season, would United have slumped much earlier? Or would they have got over it, and brought in someone new? Further, if United had slumped earlier, and Wednesday had caught them earlier, would Megson still be in a job, as it's hard to see him being sacked when in an automatic promotion place? Indeed, without United pulling away, would Lee Clark also still be in a job, as he was sacked when it looked like Huddersfield would miss out on automatic promotion?
Does anyone know how trial dates are decided, are the lawyers for the accused able to move the dates back for their convenience, or can the courts impose the timescale?
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Would think that the legal process takes no heed of League One football fixtures though.
same reason John Terry's trial has taken so long?
Imagine during 1997/1998 season, if super Clive had been accused of a serious crime, with a potential jail sentence, I'm sure our lawyers would have desperately been searching for a way of keeping the trial until after the season ended...
Because the courts are - the FA might impose a fine/penalty or something, but won't pre-empt a court case.
As I said it would prejudice an on-going trial. If the FA held a hearing and found him guilty and banned him then Terry could claim that it prejudiced the court case. If he's found guilty then I think the FA will take some action.
Even when all of that is arranged, the necessary documents have to be prepared in time.
As for Woodys later post, as BFR rightly says, the FA will not (in fact cannot) deal with Terry before the criminal trial. That could amount to contempt of court and might well result in suits from the FA standing in the dock. Once the criminal case is over they are entitled to act BUT if Terry is acquitted, for reasons which are too long to set out here, I have no doubt whatsoever that the FA will either not pursue the allegation or will 'acquit' him.
Did they do the protest on saturday at the game ? I missed the game
It is interesting comparing with the Brighton/Bournemouth case, that the incident took place last July, yet the players will only appear before magistrates in May
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-17898285
As for the Brighton case, this is absolutely what I would expect. The CPS has considered the evidence and authorised charges after a detailed investigation. They will have a first appearance and at some stage either (depending on the charge which I haven't seen) they will go to the Crown Court for trial or be tried at the magistrates' court (please note the correct use of the apostrophe for the pedants on this site;-)