Ian Evatt, manager of Bolton Wanderers, has publicly expressed regret over his actions following his team’s heated 2-2 draw against Shrewsbury Town.
The incident, which saw Evatt sent off after a post-match confrontation with Shrewsbury captain Morgan Feeney, has sparked significant media attention and could lead to a more severe punishment than the standard one-match ban and fine.
The altercation, which took place at the end of the match at Toughsheet Stadium, saw emotions boil over. According to Evatt, Feeney verbally provoked him and even “grabbed” at him while the Bolton boss was speaking to the match official, Declan Bourne. However, despite the circumstances, Evatt has openly admitted that his reaction was inappropriate and that he allowed things to escalate too far.
“It went too far,” Evatt admitted during a press conference with the local media on Monday. “But I think there has been a bit of an overreaction. I understand people want to get clicks etc, etc, and if it’s two players, it is a yellow card and nobody speaks about it.”
Unable to speak directly to the media following the match due to English Football League (EFL) guidelines, Monday’s press conference was the first opportunity for Evatt to discuss the incident in depth. He took the opportunity to express his regret, acknowledging that his behaviour, regardless of what was said or how he was provoked, was not acceptable.
“Because of the process, I am not able to give context at the time as to why I reacted like that and it is difficult for me,” Evatt explained. “But I will say I regret it and that I am sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted in that manner, regardless of what was said to me or what happened.”
Evatt also confirmed that he would accept whatever punishment is handed down by the Football Association (FA). “Like always, I will go through the process with the FA and take whatever punishment comes my way.”
The incident has drawn comparisons to a notorious confrontation involving Alan Pardew, the former Newcastle United manager, who was banned for seven games and fined £100,000 for an altercation with Hull City’s David Meyler in 2014. While it remains to be seen whether Evatt will face similar consequences, there is concern at Bolton Wanderers that the punishment could exceed the usual one-game suspension, particularly given the high-profile nature of the incident.
In the meantime, Evatt will remain in the dugout for Bolton’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy match against Aston Villa’s Under-21s. His ban, if imposed, will not take effect until October 19, when the team returns to League One action against Burton Albion.
Writer’s View
This incident reflects the intense pressure and emotion managers face, especially in high-stakes environments like League One. Ian Evatt’s regretful reflection shows a willingness to accept responsibility, which is commendable, but it also raises questions about the role of provocation in football. Should managers be held to an even higher standard of restraint than players? Perhaps so. But when tensions run high in a competitive sport, it’s easier said than done to keep emotions in check.
The media’s role in amplifying such incidents is also worth noting. Evatt pointed out the disparity in how confrontations between players are treated compared to those involving managers. In an era where clicks and headlines often drive the narrative, Evatt’s frustration is understandable. However, it doesn’t excuse the fact that, as a leader, his reaction sets an example for his team and fans alike. Handling provocation with composure is part of the job, even if that standard sometimes feels unfairly high. The FA will now decide if his actions warrant an extended ban, but what matters most is that Evatt has shown remorse, hopefully learning from this experience.
