Saido Berahino escapes FA ban

Saido Berahino will not be banned after the FA decided to take no further action over his alleged stamp on Everton midfielder James McCarthy.

Toffees boss Roberto Martinez thought the 22-year-old should have been sent off for lashing out, but referee Michael Oliver didn't see it.

placeholder image

A panel of three former referees independently reviewed video footage of the first-half incident.

All three had to conclude that Berahino should have been sent off in order for the striker to be charged, but their decision was not unanimous and so no action is being taken.

Martinez said: "I actually saw it clearly, because the play was stopped and I happened to be looking straight at it.

"The ball was stopped and Berahino just stamps on James McCarthy. I don't know what happened. I thought the referee was in a good position and should've seen that.

"It's one of those reactions that is a naive one and it should've been a red card."

Berahino was making his first Premier League start since October.

Local news you can trust
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice