Pic: Anthony Thompson/Pro Sport
CHELTENHAM TOWN striker Danny Wright will miss the Robins’ next three games after he was banned following an incident in their recent win against Grimsby Town.
The 20-goal forward was charged with misconduct after he stepped on Grimsby keeper James McKeown as he celebrated Harry Pell’s goal in the 3-1 victory which was shown live on BT Sport.
McKeown was booked for his demonstrations as the incident wasn’t seen by any of the match officials on the night.
However, it was reported to the Football Association by the match observer and a Disciplinary Commission concluded that the incident did constitute violent conduct and should have resulted in a red card and three match suspension.
Wright will miss the games against Guiseley, FC Halifax Town and Macclesfield Town but will be eligible to play in the final match of the season at home to Lincoln City.
Robins boss Gary Johnson said: “We’ve got other strikers so we’ve always had a Plan B. Danny’s disappointment gives somebody else the opportunity.
“If you lose your top striker, it’s not good news. He’s played 42 games and done a great job for us this season so maybe he needs a bit of a rest anyway.
“It’s one of those things. He’s disappointed with himself for stepping on someone – it wasn’t a stamp or in aggression because we’d just scored.
“He’d have liked to have seen the whole season out but I don’t feel we’ll be any weaker with the people we have available.”
A Cheltenham statement confirmed: “Both the player and Cheltenham Town FC responded in detail to claim that the intended punishment of a three match ban was excessive, believing Danny’s actions to be clumsy and careless rather than a deliberate stamp designed to injure an opponent.
“Unfortunately an FA Disciplinary Commission considered the case on Wednesday afternoon and concluded that the incident did constitute violent conduct and should have resulted in a red card and three match suspension.”
