Grant McCann has spoken out after news that key defender Tom Anderson has had his ban doubled, meaning he will be missing for 6 games for Doncaster Rovers.
The Rovers manager could not hide his immediate shock. “I’m really disappointed. We thought we had a chance with the appeal, hence why we did.”
Two weeks ago Rovers played Chesterfield at home, a game they would lose 3-0, as well as having two players see red. Luke Molyneux had a second yellow card shortly after the halftime break, and with the game all but over Anderson had a straight red card in the 85th minute, soon after Chesterfield got their last goal to seal a miserable day for McCann’s side.
Anderson admitted that after getting his marching orders used threatening and abusive language to a game official. He was also fined £3,000 for the incident. Having already sat out two games, but the news of the extended ban has hit hard, and the player will effectively be out of action for the rest of the month.
McCann felt the board would see some sense in the player’s misdemeanours and took a chance with an appeal the Doncaster Free Press reported. “I’m disappointed that got sniffed away because there’s ex-players on the appeal board and you’re just hoping for some rationale behind it and to see the human side of it.
“It’s minimal what’s happened (against Chesterfield). Tom’s one of the most honest boys you’ll ever meet. He’s obviously just lost his rag with the decision because he knows he hasn’t done a lot wrong. They’ve probably looked at it as two separate incidents. To miss him for another three games after Saturday is disappointing.
Tom Anderson has received an additional three match ban and fined £3,000 after admitting a misconduct charge over his behaviour following his red card against Chesterfield
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“I thought the sending-off was harsh. We’ve seen different angles and thought we had a chance. When you watch it back Tom obviously comes off the pitch and does come back to the fourth official but doesn’t get anywhere near him. Cliff (Byrne) pulls him away.
“It’s unfair, I really think it is. It’s probably from something that shouldn’t have been a sending-off. It should have been a warning to both players, maybe a yellow each. For it to end up as a six-game ban is a bit extreme.”
31-year-old Anderson has played in 8 games so far this season, scoring once, but now will sit out crucial games. Doncaster has started the season well and is currently in fourth place, but only at the same points as the teams above them. They host Crewe Alexandra on Saturday as they look for a third consecutive league win.
Writers View
At a time of the season when squad depth is often tested, the news of Tom Anderson’s extended ban will be a shock. Grant McCann would have thought hard about any appeal as often they can backfire, and in this case, it has done so dramatically. Anderson no doubt had a moment that will make him think long and hard as to how he reacts both on and off the field.
League games after Crewe include trips to Swindon and Bradford, either side of a home match against Bromley. A run of games that could see Doncaster remain firmly in the playoff places, or slip to mid-table. Then Anderson is due to return for the EFL Trophy clash against Barnsley on 29th October.
