Anger over Wes red card

PAUL Dickov laid into fourth official Matt McGrath for his involvement in the red card for James Wesolowski at Scunthorpe.

Athletic’s manager claimed referee Richard Clark wasn’t going to send off the midfield man during the controversial 2-2 draw - until McGrath had his say.

The incident saw Wesolowski collide with grounded opponent Damien Mozika in front of the visitors’ dugout. Athletic claimed their man simply kicked the ball towards the players’ chest - but Dickov said McGrath thought differently.

An appeal is possible, but video footage isn’t believed to be enough to prove Athletic's case.

“The referee came over - not to send him off - then the fourth official sprinted past me shouting that Wes had kicked him (Mozika) in the head, and that’s a red card,” said Dickov.

“It was right in front of us. Jimbo kicked the ball against him and didn’t kick his head.”

Wesolowski's three-game ban is a costly blow for ill-disciplined Athletic, who have had five red cards this season and 12 suspensions. No team in the league has had more dismissals.

Robbie Simpson could step into Wesolowski’s shoes at the City Ground as he returns from suspension..

Winger Cristian Montano will miss that game and possibly several others. The winger was recalled to the starting line-up at Scunthorpe but lasted only 25 minutes before succumbing to a suspected torn thigh muscle.