Barrow AFC manager Pete Wild has denied claims that he was actively looking for Carlisle man John-Kymani (JK) Gordon to be retrospectively banned after a heated Cumbrian Derby, in comments given to The Mail.
A feisty affair on Saturday between the two major clubs of Cumbria resulted in lots of aggression and anger on the pitch, with JK Gordon punished after the 90 minutes for striking Barrow defender Sam McClelland with an arm when going for the same ball.
As a result, JK Gordon will miss the next three games owing to suspension. This means the Crystal Palace loanee will not feature in Carlisle’s final two games of the regular season against Salford City and Sutton United.
He would also be absent from Carlisle’s first encounter in the playoffs if Paul Simpson’s men get there.
Who is JK Gordon?
John-Kymani (JK) Gordon has had a positive season with Carlisle United regardless of this suspension coming into play.
The 20-year-old attacker has netted two goals in fifteen appearances for Paul Simpson’s men, even winning Man of the Match in the process in a match versus Newport County after his goal helped Carlisle win 2-0.
Although the youngster denied his actions after the Barrow game, a video review of the incident showed that the Crystal Palace loanee was guilty of violent conduct.
What happened in the game?
Although JK Gordon’s suspension is dominating the conversation from the weekend, Carlisle United will be pleased that they secured a narrow 1-0 win over their Cumbrian rivals away from home.
Ben Barclay was the only goalscorer on the day in a tight contest, a 1-0 win meaning the bragging rights were with Paul Simpson’s men and the faintest possibility of automatic promotion still remains on.
For Barrow, 18 wins and 18 defeats in League Two mean they’ll finish in a respectable mid-table spot in the division
What Has Pete Wild Said?
Speaking to the Mail about JK Gordon’s retrospective three match ban, Bluebirds boss Pete Wild denied that he had gone out of his way to ensure the Carlisle youngster was handed a suspension.
He said: “I know there are people out there that are clearly saying that I am trying to get this lad suspended.
“At half-time we approached the referee to ask why Gordon had not been sent off. The referee said that they had not seen it but because of the severity of the injury to our player he had noted it down as an unseen incident and it would be sent to the FA for them to look at.
“Not at any point did we send footage to enhance getting this lad sent off. That is how that played out.”
Pete Wild also further elaborated on what happened post-match at Holker Street, praising the Carlisle players in spite of the hostile occasion right after the final whistle.
He said: “I think if you look at the end of the game, I walked around every Carlisle player and wished them all the best, and in particular three Carlisle players who I think have been outstanding this season – I made a point of going and telling them that.”
Writer’s View
Often in the aftermath of high-pressure Derby matches, you do see bans handed out for players who thought they’d gotten away with leaving an arm in here or there.
JK Gordon’s retrospective ban will be disappointing for Carlisle but Barrow AFC boss Pete Wild will feel justified in the comments he gave to the referee about the Carlisle’s man now confirmed violent conduct.
Often a hot head on the touchline, Pete Wild’s passion has made him a firm favourite as boss to the Bluebirds contingent in Cumbria.
