Charlton boss explains why he can’t comment on Sean Clare’s red card

Charlton boss Johnnie Jackson was unable to provide any assessment on Sean Clare’s red card in today’s 4-0 loss to Oxford United.

Clare was sent off just after the hour mark after reacting angrily to Matty Taylor holding on to his leg.

U’s manager Karl Robinson described it as “a clear stamp” but the Addicks defender could also have got his marching orders for grabbing Taylor by the neck.

Jackson – asked for his view on the dismissal – said: “I haven’t seen it back yet. It was a sort of coming together. I don’t know yet what he has been sent off for. I’ll have to have a look at it and make a judgement call then.

“But that’s three games we’re going to be without Sean.”

Clare will start his suspension against Milton Keynes on Tuesday and also be unavailable for the match at Sheffield Wednesday and at home to Sunderland.

The former Oxford player will not be back available until March 12 at Accrington Stanley.

Sam Lavelle and Akin Famewo are options if Jackson decides to stick with a three-man central defence.

“We have to look at alternatives now in that position,” said Jackson. “Do we go about it differently? We’ll assess how the lads come out of that game as well because physically it is going to take its toll being down to 10 men for that time as well.

“He [Lavelle] had a bad injury and was out for a long time. He hasn’t had as many minutes as we’d have liked. He’s available for me to select now.”

Charlton were missing Jayden Stockley, Chuks Aneke and Conor Washington due to injury. Scott Fraser was absent for a second match due to Covid.

“I’d say it’s unlikely,” responded Jackson when asked if any could return against Milton Keynes. “Scott is back at the training ground yesterday but he was quite unwell with Covid. That really takes its toll and takes time to recover.

“Every game is important. We have to show a reaction.”

PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS