Loan signing James Alabi will miss the next three matches after we have decided not to appeal the red card issued to the 18-year-old on Friday night at Southend.
Manager Paul Cox confirmed the news at a mid-week news conference this morning.
Alabi was sent off in last Friday's 3-0 defeat at Southend United, just over 24 hours after putting pen to paper on a one month loan deal from Stoke City. Â He was given a straight red card for serious foul play in the 24th minute of the contest.
Alabi was sent off in last Friday's 3-0 defeat at Southend United, just over 24 hours after putting pen to paper on a one month loan deal from Stoke City. Â He was given a straight red card for serious foul play in the 24th minute of the contest.
After reviewing the film of the incident and deliberating the decision with officials in the world of football, Cox said;Â "I've taken a lot of advice and have spoken to a lot of people in and around the FA. Even though they have said it [the decision] was harsh, which we all believe it was, you have to prove the referee made a mistake. A lot of people high up in professional positions have said that would be hard [to prove].
"I feel for the kid, because I thought he looked as though he had a lot going for him in the first 20 minutes or so.Â
Alabi looks set to miss out on matches against St Albans City, Oxford United and Fleetwood Town, after which time his loan will expire. On his short term future this month at One Call Stadium, Cox added: "I've tried to speak to Stoke this morning, We will have to get our heads together and work out the best scenario for both parties. He [James Alabi[] has been to train with us this morning. Until we speak to Stoke, it is up in the air at the moment."
