Thatcher escapes police charge
Ben Thatcher will not face criminal charges for his ugly challenge on Pedro Mendes.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that Ben Thatcher will not face criminal charges for his ugly challenge on Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes last month.The Manchester City man left Mendes unconscious and in need of hospital treatment following a forearm smash on the midfielder.
City banned the 30-year-old for six matches and fined him six weeks' wages, before The Football Association handed out their own eight-game suspension.
Police investigated the incident after receiving a number of complaints, but have decided against charging Thatcher.
In a statement, the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that Mendes' wish for the matter to be handled only by The FA had played a big part in their decision.
"Officers from GMP have spoken to the relevant parties involved in an incident during the Manchester City versus Portsmouth match on August 23," read the statement.
"In consultation with the injured player, the clubs and The Football Association, GMP have been informed the player would like to pursue a complaint and have asked for it to be dealt with by The FA, not the police.
"In light of this, GMP will not be investigating the incident further and consider the matter to be closed."
Lancashire Police are still investigating Thatcher in relation to a clash with Blackburn player Ralph Welch.
