Gillingham manager Neil Harris is still waiting for an explanation as to why a foul that put his player in a knee brace merely resulted in a ticket.
Tim Dieng will be out for six weeks following an injury-time challenge from Grimsby Town’s Danny Amos. It was a tackle that referee Adam Herczeg thought was “dangerous and reckless,” while Harris thought it was “dangerous and reckless.”
Harris has approached the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), the organisation that represents referees in England, seeking clarification on this, as well as why his own midfielder Ethan Coleman is presently serving a three-game suspension following a questionable red card against Colchester.
“Tim Dieng is injured for six weeks as a result of the worst tackle I have seen this season, which resulted in a yellow card,” claimed the Gills manager. I’m waiting for an answer from the PGMOL to see whether I get an apology, if they accept responsibility for their mistakes, or what the regulations are because I’m quite concerned.”
Dieng will be in a brace for three weeks after the challenge caused medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. He’ll then be sidelined for another three weeks while he works his way back up to speed.
“We are extremely fortunate,” the manager stated. “It’s heartbreaking to lose him, and the tackle was risky and reckless.” I’m waiting for the referee’s body to respond and tell me what they think.
“It was such a bad tackle that we are lucky it was only six weeks; we are overjoyed; Timmy is relieved.” It might have gone far worse.
“It could be a little faster or slower, but six weeks is the guideline, and that’s a relief.”
Coleman, meanwhile, received a three-game suspension for a late-game red card against Colchester. Harris believes the challenge did not deserve an expulsion and consequent suspension, which the midfielder now serves in League 2 and League Cup tournaments.
He was available to play against Grimsby Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night, but will sit out again against Harrogate Town in League 2 on Saturday.
“Neither red card (for the Grimsby player or Coleman) would have changed the result; we would still have lost to Colchester, but Ethan would have been available to play when we needed him to, and it wouldn’t have changed the result at Grimsby if they went down to 10 in injury-time, but we would be a lot clearer as to what the rules and regulations are,” Harris said.
“Ethan Coleman will not be able to play on Saturday because of a decision that was never a red card.”
Meanwhile, Tom Nichols limped out hurt in the first half against Grimsby with bone bruising but should be fine for the weekend, while George Lapslie should be available after missing out again in the midweek EFL Trophy meeting.
“Tom Nichols had a scan, and there is no long-term damage,” Harris added. We’ll have to wait and see if Saturday is too soon. To be honest, because it is bone bruising, it becomes a mobility issue and a pain threshold issue, and Nico is a bit of a game boy. It would be great to have Nico available this week, if not next.
“George Lapslie should be available this week, and Oli Hawkins and Dom Jefferies are also getting closer.” It’s a lot more optimistic, although we’ll be missing a lot of players this weekend, but it’s an opportunity for others.”
