Source: Daily_Mail
Craig Gardner apologises after red card against Wolves
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish revealed midfielder Craig Gardner has apologised after being sent off for allegedly diving during the 1-1 home draw with Wolves.[LNB]Gardner had already been yellow carded after reacting angrily to being on the receiving end of a challenge from Wolves midfielder Jamie O'Hara. It was one of several crunching tackles that Gardner was on the end of in the opening half hour.[LNB] Marching orders: Gardner (8) is dismissed following his second bookable offence[LNB]But he then was sent off for a second bookable offence by referee Kevin Friend after allegedly going to ground too easily when challenged by Jody Craddock.[LNB]McLeish said: 'Craig dived. He already had a booking and that leaves you treading on thin ice.[LNB]'But I was thinking he was diving to get out of the way because he had been booted about three or four times just before that.[LNB]'A Richard Stearman tackle on him on the edge of the box never got a booking and then O'Hara caught him.[LNB]'I think he was diving to get out of the way but we don't condone the diving element, and especially when you are on a yellow card.[LNB]'I was more annoyed at the first yellow card Craig got. It put him under pressure by reacting to a tackle.[LNB]'You've got to let the referee deal with these things. Stay down.[LNB]'Craig is devastated in the dressing room and at half-time he has apologised to his team-mates and we now miss him for a couple of games.'[LNB] Walk of shame: Gardner (left) vents his frustration after leaving the St.Andrews field[LNB]McLeish insists on-loan Tottenham winger David Bentley still has a part to play in the finale of the season even though he left St. Andrew's in an angry mood after being named amongst the substitutes.[LNB]When asked if Bentley had left because he was angry, McLeish said: 'He will not be the first one. I think it happens at every club.[LNB]'It is not something I will lose sleep over. I understand players' disappointment.[LNB]'The other guys who have left before have come back in for training the next day.[LNB]'They don't stay away forever. David was disappointed to be left out but I am sure we will see him tomorrow for training.[LNB] Karl Henry plays the pain game[LNB] [LNB] Birmingham 1 Wolves 1: 10-man Blues deny McCarthy's men priceless win Dogfight! The battle to avoid the drop looks set to go down to the wireAll the latest Birmingham news, features and opinionAll the latest Wolves news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Craig Gardner, David Bentley, Jamie O'Hara, Alex McLeish Places: Birmingham
