Claim: Ernie Machin (26 April 1944 – 22 July 2012), who played as a Midfielder, became the first English football player to successfully challenge a fine and suspension by the Football Association in the English courts, due to him being sent off in a game apparently for kicking an opponent. however, TV evidence showed that he was innocent.
Evidence: Ernie Machin (26 April 1944 – 22 July 2012) was an English professional footballer who played as a Midfielder. In 1972, he became the first English football player to successfully challenge a fine and suspension by the Football Association in the English courts. He was sent off in a game apparently for kicking an opponent, however TV evidence showed that he was innocent; nevertheless the FA noticed something else which he had done and upheld the disciplinary action on the basis of that without allowing him to present a defence.