McManaman was expected to face a lengthy ban for his X-rated tackle, which saw the Toon defender put in hospital following Sunday’s match at the DW Stadium.
But FA officials claim the 21-year-old may escape punishment.
The FA are reluctant to step in because referee Mark Halsey or one of his assistants is believed to have seen the incident.
And by admitting they blundered by not giving the Wigan man a red card, McManaman would be in the clear.
Yet Alan Pardew’s No. 2 John Carver faces FA action for confronting McManaman at half-time, before becoming embroiled in a bust-up with several members of the Wigan backroom team.
Carver is adamant he was not the main aggressor in the incident and will seek a personal hearing if he is charged.