'We're reviewing the footage': Blackpool considering whether or not to appeal red cards in midweek defeat at AFC Wimbledon

Neil Critchley has confirmed Blackpool are considering appealing the two red cards they received in Tuesday night’s defeat to AFC Wimbledon.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Read More
Blackpool keeper Chris Maxwell admits: The penny has to drop

Ethan Robson and Dan Ballard were both dismissed as the nine men of Blackpool went down to a 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road.

Robson, who was shown a straight red with the Seasiders already trailing courtesy of Callum Reilly’s early strike, was shown his marching orders for a 50-50 challenge on the same player.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ballard’s red looked a lot more innocuous, with the defender having been adjudged to have elbowed Shaun McLaughlin in an off-the-ball incident, despite there appearing to be minimal contact.

Blackpool’s hierarchy are continuing to review the footage and have until this afternoon to lodge a formal appeal with the FA.

“We’ve had a look at not just those decisions, but also the other decisions within the game as well which I thought were questionable,” Critchley sad during this morning’s press conference looking ahead to Saturday’s game against Burton Albion.

“We’ve reviewed the footage, we’re looking and deciding what should be the next step and we’ll make the decision in the next few hours whether we’re going to appeal or not.

Ethan Robson was the first of two Blackpool players to be sent off against AFC Wimbledon on TuesdayEthan Robson was the first of two Blackpool players to be sent off against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday
Ethan Robson was the first of two Blackpool players to be sent off against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I think we have grounds to appeal both, however it happened and we can’t affect what happened on Tuesday, we can only affect what’s going to happen on Saturday now.”

Should the suspensions stand, both Robson and Ballard will miss Blackpool’s next three games - the league encounters against Burton and Wigan Athletic and the FA Cup first round tie against Eastbourne Borough.

However, if the appeal is unsuccessful, the bans could even be extended to four games.

“Both are facing a three-game ban because it’s deemed to be violent conduct,” Pool’s head coach said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’re in the process now, we have a few hours to appeal and then we’re in the lap of the panel and the FA - so we shall see what happens.

“They might see the footage and think differently to us, it depends on how they feel and the assessor and the referee or whoever it is reviews the footage. I don’t know who it’s going to be, but ideally we’d have them rescinded or at least reduced.

“It costs money to appeal and they can actually extend the ban, so it can go from three to four games.

“We wouldn’t appeal if we didn’t think there were grounds for appeal, we’re not just doing it because we’re being obstructive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’ll only go through the process if we feel it’s the right thing to do.”

One potential issue is the quality of footage, given Sky Sports’ clip of the incident isn’t entirely conclusive.

“It’s a good point. Unfortunately we don’t have 25 cameras around the ground,” Critchley added.

“We do have access to closer footage, some stills etc, so we’ve exhausted all our avenues to build our case.

“We can only do what we can do, but we’re hopeful.”