Coventry City manager Mark Robins passionately defended his player Liam Kitching, accusing Sheffield Wednesday defender Bambo Diaby of ‘assault’ following their dual dismissals during Tuesday’s match. Robins, a former Owls player who led his team to last season’s Championship play-off final, expressed his sentiments after witnessing his players secure a 2-0 victory, extending their impressive unbeaten streak to five matches. The significant incident of the match occurred in its closing moments when both Kitching and Diaby received red cards post-final whistle for an altercation that seemingly involved their heads coming into contact.
Meanwhile, Wednesday’s manager Danny Röhl seemingly accepted that Diaby would face a three-match suspension without plans for an appeal from the club. However, Robins holds a divergent perspective regarding former Barnsley player Kitching’s situation.
“I didn’t see what happened at the time but I have seen it back now and I am appealing that because there’s no way he can be sent off for that,” he told reporters. “No way! The youngster has approached him from behind and is assaulting him. He’s punched him in the face, so now what? He is unable to leave because he has entered his domain.
“He shoved him and then initiated head contact. Kitching didn’t retaliate. Whether he raised his hands to defend himself, I’m unsure, but it’s an aggressive move. It’s absurd, especially since he came back for more, so I’m definitely appealing this decision. I’m extremely angry, absolutely furious!
“The referee missed it and still sent him off. I’ve spoken to the referee, urging him to review the incident. He made that call, but in my opinion, it must be overturned. I need to be cautious because my anger is profound. This situation demands a thorough reevaluation.
“If this isn’t overturned, what’s the three-game ban for? Can someone please explain? It shouldn’t overshadow what was a really commendable performance and an excellent win.”
Robins affirmed his plan to appeal the decision to the EFL, hoping for a reversal that would enable Liam Kitching’s availability for their upcoming match against Swansea City on Friday. Meanwhile, Diaby’s suspension implies his absence for Sheffield Wednesday’s game against Preston North End and the subsequent fixture versus Hull City on New Year’s Day, along with their FA Cup match against Cardiff City on January 6.
Expressing urgency, Robins mentioned, “I’ve tasked Mike Reid, our club secretary, to handle this swiftly, providing the footage promptly for the appeal. However, I’m eager to see their response because I genuinely need an explanation as to why this warrants a three-game ban. It’s utterly ridiculous if that’s the case.”
Regarding Kitching’s account of the incident, Robins shared, “I inquired about what happened, and even before I saw the footage, he told me he hadn’t done anything and couldn’t believe he was sent off. I assured him I’d review it because there are repercussions for players dismissed for violent behavior. However, upon reviewing, he’s absolutely blameless, played no part in the altercation, and doesn’t deserve a red card, let alone a three-game ban. There’s no chance he deserves that punishment!”
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