Burton Albion earned a point against struggling Southend United last night, but the dismissal of John-Joe O’Toole darkened their efforts.
The Shrimpers took the lead in the 21st minute, but not before scorer Steven McLaughlin had already tested Burton goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara. The on-loan Manchester United man had to push one goalbound header onto the crossbar after 15 minutes but could do little seven minutes later when McLaughlin met a Brandon Goodship corner to nod home.
Burton then suffered another blow as O’Toole was red-carded by referee Darren Drysdale, seemingly lashing out at Tom Hopper during an altercation off the ball.
Steven Fraser’s stunning free-kick levelled affairs and David Templeton rattled the crossbar late on to give the Brewers hope of all three points. It wasn’t to be and they now go into their clash with another relegation-haunted side, Lincoln City, without O’Toole.
Their media team could fathom why the former Northampton man had been sent off, but luckily social media was on hand to point out what they’d missed, as you’ll read below.
Punched him, pretty obvious.
— Danny (@DanBasildonBlue) December 3, 2019
Sounds as if he played straight into his hands, get the home team rattled, we are bottom and couldn't buy a win. Silly man!
— BigBob (@sadcafe69) December 3, 2019
Didn’t get a clear view at the #bafc game but now seen a replay it’s a clear red. Doesn’t explain why the player was “unconscious” for a couple of minutes, or why number 11 was also down later for a couple of minutes after an innocuous challenge. Thankfully both players survived
— Biking Brewer 🔺 (@DerekWainwright) December 4, 2019
Looked like he tried to headbutt him
— James (@Goonyella_) December 3, 2019
He either punched or headbutted him in reaction to the initial foul.
— David (@davidwt1997) December 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/kw04thc/status/1201997778030911489
https://twitter.com/SibthorpeMark/status/1201961909202948097
Definite red. He thumps Hopper on the top of his head.
— Graham Richardson (@secondalibi74) December 3, 2019
If you’re raising your hands and hitting a player it’s a sending off
— Steve P (@StevePo82384832) December 3, 2019
