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Coventry City 0 Colchester United 0, match reaction: “Red card was harsh’ – insisted U’s boss John McGreal
Mikael Mandron collides with Coventry defender Rod McDonald during the U's 0-0 draw at Coventry in their last away league match. Picture: PAGEPIX - Credit: Pagepix Ltd
Colchester United boss, John McGreal, felt that Tom Lapslie’s red card was “very harsh” following today’s gritty 0-0 draw at Coventry City.
The U’s were good value for another away point, and they coped well despite Lapslie’s 76th minute sending off for two bookable offences.
Midfielder Lapslie was shown two yellow cards in quick succession, on 75 and 76 minutes, the first for a foul and the second for deliberate handball when he effectively fell on the ball after appearing to be fouled.
“I think it was a harsh red card,” insisted McGreal.
“It was right near the corner flag. I was expecting the referee to blow up for a foul on Tom (Lapslie), so I can’t see where the yellow card has come from, even if he did fall on the ball.
“Even if it was a foul, it wasn’t a yellow card.
“I hope the (Coventry) fans didn’t have an influence on the referee’s (Michael Salisbury’s) decision with the red card, but he’s a professional referee so I don’t think that was the case.”
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With regards the performance, and the result, McGreal said: “It’s another great away point for us.
“Coventry have suffered a little blip of late, but they are still a top team who are targeting a top three finish.
“They threw everything at us, especially after the sending off, but we threw our bodies on the line,” added McGreal.
