Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has voiced his anger at the Football Association for doubling Tom Anderson’s suspension after his red card against Chesterfield.
Anderson will now miss six games, including the crucial Bradford City clash, after admitting to using abusive language towards an official. McCann told the Yorkshire Post he believes the FA failed to take the “human side” into account, leaving his side further depleted ahead of their League Two fixtures.
Tom Anderson’s Ban Extended
Doncaster Rovers’ defensive woes worsened as Tom Anderson’s ban was extended to six matches following an appeal against his initial three-match suspension. Anderson, who received a red card in Doncaster’s 3-0 loss to Chesterfield, saw his punishment increase after admitting to using threatening language towards the match officials post-game. Along with the extended ban, Anderson has been fined £3,000.
Grant McCann expressed his disappointment with the FA’s decision, especially as Anderson has already missed two matches. The extension means Anderson will remain unavailable for key fixtures, including the away game at Bradford City. “We thought we had a chance with the appeal,” McCann said. “I’m disappointed because there’s ex-players on the appeal board and you’re just hoping for some rationale and for them to see the human side of it.”
McCann’s Frustration Over FA Ruling
McCann was clearly frustrated with the outcome of the appeal, especially given his belief that the red card was harsh in the first place. He explained, “Tom’s one of the most honest boys you’ll ever meet. He just lost his rag with the decision because he knows he hasn’t done a lot wrong.” McCann felt that Anderson’s reaction was understandable in the heat of the moment and suggested that the FA panel could have shown more leniency.
“They’ve probably looked at it as two separate incidents,” McCann said, referring to the red card and the subsequent confrontation with the officials. “Tom comes off the pitch and does come back to the fourth official but doesn’t get anywhere near him. Cliff (Byrne, McCann’s assistant) pulls him away. It should have been a warning to both players, maybe a yellow each. A six-game ban is a bit extreme.”
Defensive Woes for Doncaster
The extended suspension of Anderson, combined with other injuries, leaves Doncaster with limited options at the back. Richard Wood is sidelined with a fractured ankle, and although Joseph Olowu has returned to training, there are concerns about his fitness after he pulled out of the Grimsby game with a back spasm. McCann is hopeful that Olowu will be ready for the next match against Crewe Alexandra, but with Patrick Kelly on international duty and Tom Nixon still recovering from injury, the squad is stretched thin.
“Joe’s trained all week,” McCann confirmed, optimistic that Olowu will return to the lineup soon. In the meantime, Owen Bailey has stepped up in defence alongside Jay McGrath, providing some relief during a 3-0 win against Grimsby Town.
Writer’s View
The FA’s decision to double Tom Anderson’s suspension comes at a difficult time for Doncaster Rovers. Already contending with a string of injuries, McCann’s side is now further weakened by the absence of a key player in Anderson. McCann’s frustration is understandable, particularly as the appeal process offered little sympathy for the circumstances surrounding Anderson’s post-match comments. The ban extension feels harsh given the context, and it leaves Doncaster’s defensive setup in a vulnerable position ahead of important matches.
The upcoming fixture against Bradford City will be a test of Doncaster’s squad depth and resilience. Anderson’s absence, alongside the continued injury troubles, puts pressure on McCann to find the right balance in defence. If Doncaster can continue to perform well, despite these challenges, it could be a defining period for their season.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
