Doncaster Rovers Manager Grant McCann has apologised after he was sent off during a 2-1 victory away at Tranmere Rovers last night.
The incident happened towards the end of the first half when the ball was cleared out for a throw. McCann then backheeled the ball away from Kristian Dennis and was quickly given a straight red by referee Ben Speedie.
The South Yorkshire side were 1-0 up at the time after Harrison Biggins opened the scoring on 27 minutes. McCann’s dismissal did not affect his side, with Doncaster doubling their lead through Mo Faal. They held on following Connor Jennings’ low-driven strike to claim all three points.
Due to the red card, Assistant Cliff Byrne took over media duties post-match, telling the Doncaster Free Press: “It’s a new one to me, a new one to us as a staff.
“He’s fully apologised and appreciates the support the fans have given us as a staff and as a team.
“He just deviated where the ball went and it’s an instant red card. I had a chat with the referee and he was very empathetic but he said ‘The rule is the rule’.”
Byrne was full of praise for his team’s performance. He added: “It’s a difficult place to come. Nigel (Adkins) got a really strong response from his players with his substitutions and the impact they were trying to make.
“We are really pleased to come away with three points, the boys were magnificent.”
The Doncaster manager will now miss his side’s home match against Salford City on Tuesday night.
Writer’s View
McCann’s red card was justified as he prevented Tranmere from making a quick break forward. As a fan though, you would love to have your manager put himself on the line for the team’s benefit, as he has done here. Even better for Doncaster, the players did not really miss the presence of the Northern Irishman and continued with the game plan under the control of Cliff Byrne and secured a win.
With McCann now missing for the upcoming game against Salford, it is now up to the assistant manager to lead Rovers at the Eco-Power Stadium. In truth, little will change without the gaffer on the touchline tactically, but if The Ammies take the lead, not having him leading from the dugout could make all the difference.
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