Former Exeter City Boss Receives Touchline Ban For ‘Lack Of Respect’

Former Exeter City and current Rotherham United manager Matt Taylor has been handed a one-game ban from the sidelines after a 1-1 draw with Preston North End on Saturday, it has been confirmed.

Taylor was left perplexed by two major incidents at the AESSEAL New York Stadium during the clash with Preston. The 41-year-old was cautioned by the referee Sam Allison on the day, his third yellow card of the campaign so far which has equated to a booking and a fine for the head coach.

The ex-Charlton Athletic defender’s suspension was down to a ‘lack of respect’, as reported by the Rotherham Advertiser.

Speaking after the game, Taylor showed no remorse for the official and admitted that he won’t stop highlighting injustices against his side [quotes via the Rotherham Advertiser]:

“My blood is still boiling now. It’s important I stand up for my players. Injustices happen too often to Rotherham.

“I’ll pay the fine because the club won’t pay it and I’ll keep on doing that because if I don’t then no one will talk about the issue,” he continued.

“It’s wrong and I have to keep on highlighting that it’s wrong. Do I just stand there and let it happen? I can’t do that. I have to somehow find a way of highlighting the deficiencies in that (refereeing) department. I have to fight for my players.”

The Millers have been on a slippery slope in recent weeks, having lost three and won one of their last five outings in the Championship. A solid point at home against the Lilywhites at the weekend left Taylor’s side second from bottom, two points from safety.

To make matters worse for the South Yorkshire club, Taylor’s one-match ban will mean he misses this Saturday’s fixture away at high-flying Cardiff City who are looking for a fourth-consecutive win in England’s second tier.

Writer’s View

Taylor is roughly averaging a yellow card every three games at the moment which is wild for a manager. However, there is some justification in this instance.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited [PGMOL] have already admitted on two separate occasions this season that decisions have gone against Rotherham United which has certainly sent Taylor over the edge.