Blackpool boss Ian Evatt has been given a one-match touchline ban after picking up his third yellow card of the season.
The Tangerines raced into a two-goal lead against Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon, but were pegged back by the promotion-chasers.
That result continued Liam Manning’s unbeaten record in charge of the Terriers, but it left his opposite number frustrated.
Blackpool head coach Evatt was convinced his side were hard done by against the West Yorkshire outfit last weekend.
“I just want some consistency. I don’t think we’re getting any at all from any official at the moment, especially towards us.
“Dion (Charles) is a guy I’ve got a lot of admiration for from my time at Bolton, but he clearly kicked the ball away in the first half, and that’s a yellow card. Olly Casey does less in the second half and gets booked. That’s the frustration, and that’s where it boils over.
“Referees are quick to brandish cards against managers, which I think is absolutely ridiculous. A manager is entitled to question a decision when they don’t think they’re consistent.”
It’s not the first time in his career that he has received such a punishment. In August 2022, he was also given a touchline ban alongside a £1000 fine after an FA charge for his language. And just a few months before leaving Bolton Wanderers, Evatt was given a three-match touchline ban after being sent off against Shrewsbury Town. He was given an increased fine compared with that first offence for using ‘improper and/or violent’ behaviour, after he appeared to react at Salop player Morgan Feeney.
This latest ban means that the 44-year-old will watch this weekend’s game with Plymouth Argyle from the stands. It’s a crucial match for both sides at the bottom of League One, but particularly for the Seasiders. They are currently just a point above the relegation zone, one of four clubs on 33 points. Managerless Wigan Athletic, who sacked Ryan Lowe over the weekend, were unable to move above Blackpool last night as they were beaten by Reading.
Positive Blackpool Injury Update
There was some positive news to come out of Bloomfield Road earlier today. Three first-team players have been back involved in training for the Seasiders, ahead of a home double-header against the Pilgrims and Mansfield Town. Albie Morgan, Fraser Horsfall and Hayden Coulson are back in contention for Evatt’s side, providing a much-needed boost.
That comes after Ryan Finnigan has been ruled out for around a month with an ankle issue, while George Honeyman could return next weekend. Winter signing Joel Randall cannot face his parent club, Bolton, but should also be back before the end of February.
Evatt has had unfortunate luck with injuries since taking charge of the Tangerines in October. His arrival hasn’t had the desired effect in terms of guiding them away from the relegation zone. But the former Blackpool player would have had his side comfortably in mid-table if the season had begun when he took over.
They would actually be closer to the Play-Off places than the bottom four, but all focus remains on keeping the Seasiders in the third tier this season.