Charged by the FA
Cheltenham Town striker Danny Wright has been given a three match suspension by the Football Association.
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Danny was charged with misconduct in relation to an incident during the recent home match against Grimsby Town when he ran over the opposition goalkeeper in order to join in the celebrations following the second Cheltenham goal.
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Having provided the assist for the goal, Danny ran towards goal-scorer Harry Pell but placed his foot upon goalkeeper James McKeown as he lay on the ground in front of him. The incident was not seen by any of the match officials, who took no action at the time despite vociferous protests from McKeown that earned him a yellow card.
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However, the incident was reported to the FA by the match observer (a former referee who compiles a report on the match from the stand and was previously known as the referee’s assessor) and Danny received the charge on Monday this week.
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Both Danny and Cheltenham Town FC responded in detail to claim that the intended punishment of a three match ban was excessive, believing Danny’s actions to be clumsy and careless rather than a deliberate stamp designed to injure an opponent. Unfortunately an FA Disciplinary Commission considered the case on Wednesday afternoon and concluded that the incident did constitute violent conduct and should have resulted in a red card and three match suspension.
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Danny will therefore miss the next three first team matches – against Guiseley, FC Halifax Town and Macclesfield Town – but will be available for the final game of the season against Lincoln City.