Wardy Banned For One Game

Last updated : 23 July 2007 By Covsupport

Elliott Ward will miss Coventry City's opening Championship of the new season after picking up a one game ban for his dismissal at Northampton.

Referee Mr Whitestone sent off Ward after he handled the ball whilst trying to head it away. As this was denying a goal scoring opportunity, the referee was duty bound to send in his report.

Understandably,Iain Dowie was less than happy about losing his captain for the trip to Barnsley and told the CT: "I think it is nonsensical. "If their fella had got sent off (for a bad foul on Lee Hildreth)I wouldn't have wanted that. He (Ward) could have stayed on.

"It doesn't matter to me whether we get the penalty or not - it is a friendly game. "This league's hard enough without losing people for games.

"That's where we are and the referee said he had to send him off but I don't see that at all. It may be the rules of the game but in the spirit of a friendly you shouldn't do that."

Elliott Ward leaving Northampton on Saturday (pic courtesy of Nige)