The Club can confirm that forward Jack Diamond will serve a three-match ban after being charged by the FA with violent conduct. The incident, not seen by the referee at the time occurred as Jack was competing for the ball and was only reported to the referee after the game.
Having reviewed the footage at length, we would like to place on record our surprise and disappointment at the decision, which has been upheld following an unsuccessful appeal.
We feel that the incident in question, which took place in the second half of our 2-1 win against The Terriers, has been taken out of context and mischaracterised as a deliberate action by Jack, who retains the full support of the Club.
Over the last few seasons, the Club have received a large number of apologies from the PGMOL relating to high profile incorrect decisions that have had a material and direct impact on matches. Whilst errors are accepted as part of the game, we feel that retrospective action in this instance for a competitive action on the ball, without a material impact on play, is both unwarranted and disproportionate, and has a direct impact on both the player and the team at an important stage of the season.
Jack will now miss the final two league games of the season, against Lincoln City and Wycombe Wanderers, as well as the first leg of a potential play-off semi-final.
