Cambridge United boss leaps to dismissed Lincoln player’s defence

Cambridge United boss Joe Dunne saw his side grab a point at League two leaders Lincoln, who played 69 minutes with 10 men.

Ellis Chapman was dismissed for a tackle that at first glance appeared to be innocuous. Replays suggest it was dubious, but a still photo doing the rounds makes it look horrific.

Dunne doesn’t believe it was a bad challenge, telling his local media: “It’s a young lad and you don’t like to see young players (sent off). It’s a learning curve, I don’t think there’s too much in it I’m honest. I’ll have a look at it, but I don’t think there’s too much in it.”

The incident overshadowed what was shaping up to be an excellent game, with Dunne’s opposite number claiming it ruined the game.

Lincoln’s manager Danny Cowley chose his words carefully after the game, saying: “It wasn’t [a sending off], was it? There was limited force, he was just trying to make a pass and he caught him. It’s the way that the referee reached the decision, the red card has come out on complete impulse.”

He went on to comment on the official, although drew short of openly criticising him.

“He’s got just one view, he’s got a linesman and fourth official within ten metres and he flashes the red card without considering their opinion. In any walk of life, you don’t make good decisions under impulse, that’s for sure.”

“I just feel sad for the game of football.”

Our View

It’s a tackle which is causing lots of discussion, with Lincoln fans seemingly split on it just as others are.

It is thought Lincoln have lodged an appeal, the outcome of which will be clear early tomorrow. Cambridge will be delighted with a point though after a tough start to their campaign.

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