So cast your minds back to Chelsea v Liverpool January 2015, Diego Costa stamps on Emre Can, no action taken during the game. FA bring retrospective charge, both Costa and Mourinho claim accidental. FA on review of action by referee hand down a 3 game ban.
So what's the difference other than one was a Championship game.
If the FA want to bring consistency to the game, there is only one option a ban for Barton
I am no Costa fan, nor Barton - But that Ban was ridiculous - there was no way you could say that was on purpose.
That was a media driven campaign