Jack Ross has slammed the EFL over their bizarre decision to ban Max Power from tonight's Checkatrade Trophy clash against Stoke City.Power will miss Sunderland's next three league games after the FA upheld the red card he received against Oxford United on Saturday. But, Sunderland have also been advised that Power will be unavailable for selection for tonight’s game at the Stadium of Light. And, it's a decision which has bewildered Sunderland manager Jack Ross. “We felt the initial decision to send Max off was harsh. However, it has been heard fairly, and we have to accept the FA’s decision regarding the card," said Ross. “What I cannot accept however, is that Max is banned from playing in tonight’s game, yet this does not count as part of his three-game suspension. It’s absolutely nonsensical and I’m sure everyone would agree with me on that. “We are told that we must treat the Checkatrade Trophy with respect, which we have done so, and that it is a first-team competitive fixture, so my question is why does it not count towards his three-game suspension? "We have been unfairly penalised with what is actually a four-game ban for our player, not a three-game ban as the rules state and I cannot understand how that can be the case.” Power received a straight red card during Saturday's 1-1 draw for a challenge on Oxford attacker Marcus Browne. Sunderland appealed the decision on Monday, but Power will now miss the League One fixtures against Fleetwood, Burton and Rochdale. Oxford manager Karl Robinson also defended Power after the full-time whistle on Saturday. "I love Max, he is a great kid and I have known him a long time," he said. "I don't think it was a red. I thought [Bryan] Oviedo should have gone, he volleyed my player. [Shandon] Baptiste should have been sent off for a second booking but so should [Chris] Maguire. "He got booked and then made four consecutive fouls. Their manager knows that, that's why he made the sub. "The least sending off happened today, in my view. I feel sorry for Max but you won't get that overturned - not with our FA, they are not very good at it. It is a waste of time and money. "There is no common sense within the disciplinary panel."
It's baffling. Someone accountable needs to make an explanation because they can't just make the rules up as they go along.
Can't have cake and eat it. Either the competition is treated seriously and included same as FA/league cup and therefore it is included in his ban. Or, the competition is viewed as a reserve/U23 competition in which case he should be eligible?
No-one who could make them accountable will do so - usual stick together . There’s bound to be a player some where who’ll end up in the same position . Let’s wdtch for what happens in the future .
Apparently Southend had two sent off on Saturday and their players have been stopped from playing in the EFL trophy as well as their ban, so it's not just us. Seems there's one rule for the big clubs and another for the lower leagues.
Its because they cannot ban a premier league player from the competition if they are not eligible for it. ie not under 21 years old. So instead of doing the obvious and allowing banned players to play they decide to punish the player/team further. Out of protest teams should just treat this comp the way it deserves and field and under 18's team or something. They have totally devalued the competition with this decision.
Agree totally but the rules are that we must start 4 players who either played on Saturday or will play the coming Saturday (personally I’d get them to feign injury!!) Thus ruling makes the competition absolutely worthless. That said, I’ll be at Wembley if we make the final!!
I am reminded of the adage that a Camel is a horse, designed by Committee. Can't you just imagine the group of stuffed shirts sat round a table quaffing the vino and discussing this new competition. How about introducing Premier League and Championship under 23 teams? Great. How about starting off with a mini league system then go on to knock out, just like UEFA do it? Very good. Those UEFA boys know a good thing or two. Six hours later we have what we have. 'fayn al mustashfa'
What the hell is the checkatrade trophy anyway ?, and this new nations league. I am waiting for the F A cup 1st round draw next month let's draw South shields !.
