1991: Rotherham United 1-1: Gary West (63), Jason Lee (70)
Literally no double sendings off in our history, and we get three in a calendar year! City battled to a point at promotion-chasing Rotherham United on 21 December 1991, having looked well placed to take all three before two second-half dismissals. Gary West headed home Paul Ward’s free-kick six minutes before half-time and helped keep Tony Cunningham quiet as the Imps established control. Cunningham eventually equalised from Nigel Johnson’s headed knockdown after City had been reduced to nine men, leaving us facing a difficult struggle to preserve the draw.
West’s dismissal came in the 63rd minute when deliberate handball brought a second booking, following an earlier caution for a foul on Cunningham. Jason Lee was then booked during a fracas while West’s dismissal was being dealt with, before receiving his second yellow for a mistimed challenge on Shaun Goodwin in the 70th minute. The Echo criticised referee Jimmy Parker’s handling of the incidents, arguing that he had failed to calm the game and suggesting a final warning would have been sufficient for Lee’s challenge. Steve Thompson was equally frustrated, saying he “couldn’t believe it” when West was dismissed and insisting City would have won had the defender remained on the pitch, while Lee’s miserable afternoon also included six stitches for a wound suffered before half-time.
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