Tuesday Mar 25 2008 07:10
Bristol City boss Gary Johnson has protested his innocence after being sent to the stands during his side's 2-1 derby defeat at Cardiff City.
Johnson was dismissed for a clash with fourth official Paul Armstrong, although the Robins boss claims he was just trying to get the ball back into play at NInian Park.
He told the Evening Post: "I thought it was a very harsh decision. I'm very close to Dave Jones and I'm sure he didn't mean to do what he did and hold play up.
"My argument is with the fourth official for not explaining to the referee what happened. The ball had gone out of play and we needed to get it back on the pitch.
"Dave and the fourth official were having a laugh and a wrestle with the ball and, in the meantime, the clock was ticking down.
"I decided I needed to intervene and get the ball and that's why I knocked it out of his hands.
"I didn't say anything wrong, but the referee decided I was in the wrong and sent me off without the fourth official telling him what had really happened.
"I'm hoping the Football League will have a look at it and the referee will decide he's been a bit harsh. But it will come down to what the fourth official says and I hope he has the strength to tell the truth."
Have your say on this article