Ex-Blackpool man hit with ban ahead of Bloomfield Road return with Leyton Orient
Blackpool take on Leyton Orient at Bloomfield Road on Saturday afternoon.
Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens will not be in the dugout when his side take on Blackpool this weekend.
The 46-year-old has been hit with a three-match extended touchline ban and a £4,000 fine for misconduct in a game with Huddersfield Town earlier this month.
Wellens’ absence on the sidelines will come as a blow to Orient - who are looking to pull themselves clear of the League One relegation zone.
In a statement confirming the punishment for the ex-Swindon Town and Salford City boss, the FA wrote: “Richie Wellens of Leyton Orient has been given a three-match extended touchline ban and a £4,000 fine for misconduct following their EFL League One match against Huddersfield Town on Monday 6 April.
“It was alleged that the head coach acted in an improper manner by entering the field of play to confront and/or use abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official after the final whistle, leading to his dismissal.
“It was further alleged that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official immediately after being sent off. It was also alleged that the head coach acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official in/or around the changing room after the match.
“Richie Wellens subsequently admitted the charges against him, and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing.”
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Wellens is a familiar face at Bloomfield Road, having played for Blackpool between 2000 and 2005, during which time he won the EFL Trophy twice and tasted promotion from the third division.
He has returned to the Fylde Coast as a manager on several occasions, but this could be the most important outing, with Orient just three points above the relegation zone.
As for the Seasiders, they will be looking to secure their League One status mathematically this weekend.
Ian Evatt’s side head into their final two games six points and five places above the bottom four after picking up 16 points in their last seven games.
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