Reviewing Harry Darlng’s red card last night against Sheffield United it seems most Swans fans are calling for an appeal. That’s the basics, but as of today we haven’t heard of any appeal information and there’s a reason why the club cannot hang about on this.
First off time is ticking, a red card appeal has to go in within two working days of the offence. We have spoken to the FAW and they have clearly explained to us it’s a relatively simple process. We were pointed towards the basics. "All red cards with the exception of those for use of offensive or insulting or abusive language/gestures (S6) and receiving a second caution in a game (S7). For an appeal to be successful, you must prove that the referee made an obvious error in sending the player off”
Most Swansea City fans on seeing the tackle by Darling have in the main stated it is most certainly worth an appeal. Football commentators have also backed up that belief post match. He didn’t leave the ground, it was mistimed but not intentional and the contact displays just that. The error seems to be the referee adjudged it a red card based on his belief that it was an intentional violent tackle which results in a three game ban. If it is deemed a professional foul it could be reduced to one game or two if dissent is involved. The Swans most certainly need to act.
Despite Chairman, Andrew Coleman carrying out all club activity from flying to Holland with three others (called off at the last minute when the Chairman was advised the player they were going to see wasn’t actually playing) and negotiating sales and potential transfers he is involved in literally everything. There is a football operations appointment at the club, but what his remit is now with the Chairman into everything is open to question. Coleman does have a right hand man in Ken Gude, but at our last look his awareness of football operations, administration and knowledge of the game is limited. We admire the Chairman’s desire but he needs help.
Have a look at the time wasted on this European effort to play in the Welsh League Cup.
Red cards can be appealed but the primary indicator has to go in very quickly. Thereafter the whole reasoning for the appeal, and this includes the referee’s report and his assessor has also to be referenced (within eight days) Added to that clear indication as to why it is a wrong decision and maybe even the referee on viewing his error agrees it was not a red card. Most believe it was a yellow.
Even if the appeal is lost then there is no real chance of extending a ban, there is a genuine reason in this case. The reaction of the Blades players has also impacted on the referee. He was surrounded and shouted at from all angles by Sheffield United players. Did this impact on his decision making ? Was it appropriate behaviour for six players to surround the referee ? Although that isn’t evidence for an appeal it will be viewed in its entirety.
There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by appealing this incident and the consequences. Otherwise we are going to see Darling out for three games as it stands today. It really shouldn’t even be thought about, get in there and do it.