THE CANADIAN PRESS
LONDON — The case of injured Canadian soccer striker Iain Hume has made it to the British Parliament.
The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont., is recovering from a fractured skull suffered Nov. 8 when he was elbowed in the head by Sheffield United defender Chris Morgan as they jumped for the ball. Hume finished the game, which his Barnsley lost 2-1, but later complained of pain and was taken to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for internal bleeding.
Morgan was shown a yellow card for his challenge but escaped further punishment when the Football Association said it could only take action on the basis of the challenge itself and not the outcome of it.
Barnsley Central MP Eric Illsley has tabled a motion in the House of Commons asking that the FA reconsider punishing Morgan. He also suggests failure to do so should necessitate the FA dumping its current "Respect" campaign given "the lack of protection given to Iain Hume and the complete failure of football’s governing body to deal properly with this issue."
The Respect campaign was initiated to ensure players treat referees in a positive manner.
Barnsley, meanwhile, has said it is considering private legal action against Morgan.
The five-foot-seven, 159-pound Hume has won 27 caps for Canada and cost Barnsley 1.21 million pounds (C$2.23 million).
Born in Edinburgh to Scottish parents, Hume came to Canada when he was a one. Growing up in Brampton, he opted to play for Canada when offered the chance to try out for the Scottish under-17 team.
He joined Tranmere Rovers, before moving to Leicester City and Barnsley.