Will red card affect Ryan Inniss’ chances of Charlton contract extension? Johnnie Jackson answers that question

Johnnie Jackson has said that Ryan Inniss’ red card at AFC Wimbledon will not be a deciding factor in whether he earns a Charlton Athletic contract extension.

The centre-back, 26, had only been on the pitch for seven minutes when he was sent off for a shocking lunge on George Marsh at Plough Lane.

Injuries have limited Inniss to just 16 appearances this season and he will only be available for two more matches after serving his suspension, starting with tomorrow’s trip to high-flying Rotherham United.

The former Crystal Palace player had replaced Sam Lavelle, who is set to miss the rest of the campaign after dislocating his shoulder.

The option to automatically extend Inniss’ deal by 12 months can only be activated by the Addicks.

“He was apologetic in the changing room afterwards,” said Charlton manager Jackson. “He knows that he let his team-mates down.

“It changed the complexion of the game, I’d like to think we had a chance of going on and winning it. He left us short in that moment and having to graft to salvage something.

“He knows he made a bad decision, a bad mistake and held his hand up. He has to deal with the consquences. He’s obviously been injured and now he is suspended and misses more football.

“It’s going to cost the team and cost himself. He has to learn a valuable lesson and make sure it never happens again.”

Inniss has played 27 League One matches – 23 of those starts – since signing from the Eagles in October 2020.

He has captained the Addicks when Jason Pearce or Jayden Stockley are not on the pitch.

Asked about Inniss’ long-term future, Jackson replied: “There is a decision still to be made and it won’t be based on the other night.

“We know all about Inniss the player and the injury issue – none of that is new to us. The decision will be based on what a fit Ryan Inniss can bring to the team as well.

“Every game and every opportunity needs to be maximised. He hasn’t done himself any favours, in that regard.

“You can’t be too reactionary on one incident, I don’t think that’s fair either. Our decision process will remain the same.”

Charlton are bottom of the League One fair play table with four red cards and 102 yellows.

Alex Gilbey was sent off for two bookable offences in the 2-0 loss on Saturday to Lincoln.

Jackson does not believe there is a disciplinary issue in his squad but added: “The last two games doesn’t look good though, does it? Two avoidable red cards. It doesn’t back up what I’m saying.

“I encourage my players to compete and be at it and that will never change and you just hope that hasn’t been misconstrued.

“What happened the other night is not what I’m asking for – I’m asking for the lads to compete, make tackles and fight, but in a fair way.

“I don’t feel like we’ve racked up a load of yellows and it is hard to explain because I don’t see us as a particularly dirty team or anything like that.

“I’m not going to ease off my players and say don’t tackle and don’t compete – that’s fundamental in football.

“You just hope in those heated moments we can learn to show a bit more restraint.”