‘He is two feet off the ground’ – Dons boss Bowen on Charlton defender Ryan Inniss’ red card

AFC Wimbledon manager Mark Bowen believed that Ryan Inniss’ red card in the 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic left absolutely no room for debate.

The centre-back was given his marching orders in the 54th minute at Plough Lane for a reckless challenge on Dons midfielder George Marsh.

Inniss had only been on the pitch for seven minutes, after he was brought on for the injured Sam Lavelle, before referee Neil Hair brandished the straight red.

Jayden Stockley opened the scoring for the Addicks in the 69th minute, but Wimbledon managed to secure a point when Zach Robinson headed home Ethan Chislett’s cross with three minutes of normal time remaining.

“To be fair, it’s not a talking point,” said Bowen, when asked about Inniss’ dismissal.

“Anybody who saw it knows that he is two feet off the ground, he charges through, and he actually connects with our player. Where is the argument against it? There is no point talking about it – it’s a straight red card.

“The referee wasn’t all bad, but I kept saying to him about Stockley, their big striker, pulling shirts and dragging people around everywhere. He [finally] decided to give us a free-kick against Stockley when we’re 1-0 down in the 82nd minute. I just said to the referee: ‘You have got to be a bit braver at times’.

“He could and should have given us a penalty, but it happens – you can’t dwell on those.”

When asked if he believed his side had shown in his two games in charge that they still have the fight to stay in League One, with the Dons without a win now in 23 games in all competitions, Bowen said: “Very much so.

“In the first half of the season, they were winning games and showed what a side they are.

“They are in a rut – confidence is low. That can affect you in certain ways, but we have got to try and put those thoughts behind us.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS