FA investigate referee’s report as Charlton boss Ben Garner waits to discover his fate

Charlton Athletic manager Ben Garner is waiting to find out if he will be hit with a touchline ban after his dismissal in Saturday’s epic 4-4 draw with Ipswich Town.

The Addicks boss was sent off in the second half after reacting to the award of Tractor Boys free-kick. Not only did Garner feel George Dobson fairly won the ball but he also claimed that goalscorer Tyreece John-Jules was offside.

“The referee today spent most of the time before the game telling my staff that he’s a Championship referee,” said Garner at the weekend. “The EFL need to look at that, if that’s the case. He’s not good enough for League One.

“It’s probably a ban and a fine, I don’t know, I’ve never been sent off before. I don’t want that to overshadow what was such an incredible team effort and incredible atmosphere here this afternoon.”

The FA are reviewing referee Josh Smith’s report from the match.

It could mean that first-team coaches Scott Marshall and Anthony Hayes are the lead figures in the dugout for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at home to Coalville Town.

Hayes did pre-match media before tomorrow night’s EFL Trophy tie against Brighton U21s. Asked by the South London Press if there was any news yet on potential punishment for Garner, he replied: “Nothing at the minute. I’ve spoken to the manager on Sunday and Monday, he’s on his way in now from home.

“There has been no indication.

“We had contact with the bench once the manager had his marching orders [against Ipswich]. We had a chat at half-time about the changes we were looking to make at certain intervals. To a certain degree our hands were tied after the injuries to Eoghan [O’Connell] and Mandela [Egbo] in the first half.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS