Paul Merson says Hennessey not knowing about Hitler justified Watford’s Deeney appeal

"If that lad is going in saying he doesn't know who Hitler is, he's got every chance..."

Paul Merson has claimed Watford were right to appeal against Troy Deeney's dismissal for violent conduct last week given the FA's decision not to punish Wayne Hennessey for his alleged Nazi salute. Hennessey was charged by the Football Association with making an offensive gesture after he was pictured with his right arm in the air and left hand above his mouth in a photograph posted on Max Meyer's Instagram story. The charge wasn't proven, however, as the Crystal Palace goalkeeper showed what the FA called a "lamentable degree of ignorance" on the subject of Adolf Hitler, Nazism and fascism. Appearing on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday, Merson was asked why he thought Watford appealed the red card Deeney was shown for elbowing Arsenal's Lucas Torreira last Monday. After being told by host Jeff Stelling that Deeney didn't receive an extra game's suspension after the failed appeal, Merson said it was understandable that Watford challenged the decision. "If you're not getting an extra game you might as well appeal it. If that lad (Hennessey) is going in saying he doesn't know who Hitler is, he's got every chance. "He could've said "I tickled him". If he (Deeney) was in after him, he could've got away with that." https://twitter.com/mrmrbear9/status/1119597973774766080 https://twitter.com/mrmrbear9/status/1119714145010638849