Coventry City stormed back from 3-1 down against Portsmouth last night to earn a 3-3 draw, but the result only tells part of the story, as reported by Coventry Live.

The Sky Blues found themselves down to nine men in the final stages, with Fankaty Dabo and Gervane Kastameer sent off in the second half. Despite that, Michael Rose secured them a point in the final minutes of the game.

Kastameer was dismissed just minutes after coming on the field for two reckless challenges, something Robins thought was harsh on the summer arrival.

“Gervane’s sending off I thought was really, really harsh. He’s just caught him on the follow through because he can’t stop himself from sliding,” Robins said.

“Ultimately it’s given the referee a decision to make and he’s made it. It’s cost us a little bit in terms of what we do ahead of Saturday.”

Despite believing it was a harsh decision, the former Scunthorpe boss made it clear to both players that suspensions are not acceptable at any stage of the season.

“I’m not happy about it, I’ve told them. The other thing as well is that we’re picking up too many rubbish yellow cards.That’s going to cost us as well. We’ve spoken about it in the dressing room, they know where I’m at with it.

“They can’t keep doing it. Everyone’s important, but we haven’t got a huge squad. I have a 16-year-old on the bench.”

The Sky Blues have a packed calendar over the coming weeks, with Gillingham visiting St Andrews this weekend before trips to Watford in the EFL Cup and Oxford in the league.

Our View

I think the yellow card for Kastaneer was entirely justified; he flew into a challenge and was already on a yellow. It’s a fair rebuke from his manager as is the one for Dabo.

Both players have a key part to play for the Sky Blues and neither covered themselves in glory, especially not when their teammates then went on to get a point from the game.

It’s decisions like those that can set a career at a new club back and that’s perhaps what both have done.