Mendes won't take action against Thatcher
Saturday, 26 August 2006 19:06Pedro Mendes will not take any action against Ben Thatcher for the horror challenge which left him in hospital.
Thatcher has been suspended by Manchester City and charged by the English FA after the incident in Wednesday's Barclays Premiership clash at Eastlands.
And Mendes is happy for the authorities to decide what punishment the former Tottenham and Millwall defender should receive.
In a statement on the club's website, www.pompeyfc.co.uk, Mendes said: 'Following the incident during the game at Man City on Wednesday night, I can confirm I will not be taking any personal action against Ben Thatcher.
'I have received a written apology from him. As far as I am concerned the personal matter between us is now closed and I just want to recover fully and move on.
'However, I am aware that the FA have charged the player and I really hope they will make the right decision on his punishment.
'I only saw the TV replays on Thursday night and was shocked by what I saw. I think football's governing bodies need to do everything within their power to ensure that this kind of foul play is eradicated from football.
'That kind of behaviour is just not acceptable and I leave it in the hands of the rulers of the game to act appropriately.
'I am still undergoing scans and tests as a result of the collision and am not sure at this stage when I will be given the green light by my neurologist to return to training.
'I am hopeful I will not be kept out of action for too long.'
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