Jason Pearce to serve one-match suspension after sending off that Lee Bowyer felt was harsh

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Charlton’s personnel crisis at the back continues as they must now do without skipper Jason Pearce for one game following his sending off against Rochdale.

The 33-year-old was given his marching orders by referee Trevor Kettle in the closing stages of the remarkable 4-4 draw at The Valley on Tuesday evening.

The centre-half had already been booked for a foul on halfway during the first-half before he received a second yellow card after lunging in to try and connect with a flick-on and plunder a winning goal for his side – only to miss the ball and make contact with Dale keeper Gavin Bazunu.

He’ll now serve a one-match suspension, leaving the Addicks short of natural centre-backs for Saturday’s trip to Bristol Rovers. Ryan Inniss and Akin Famewo are still on the treatment table, whilst makeshift defender Darren Pratley serves the third game of his ban for the red card he received at Hull – leaving Deji Oshilaja as the only recognised centre-half.

It’s likely that Chris Gunter will be asked to fill in again in the role.

Asked about the sending off, manager Lee Bowyer said: “I said to the ref after that I thought it was harsh. He’s going for the ball. It’s an honest challenge. I said to the ref: ‘I don’t think you needed to give him that second yellow.It’s an honest challenge from someone that is trying to win the game.’

“If he doesn’t go for that challenge then I’d be saying him: ‘well, why didn’t you?’ It’s not right. Pearcey has done the right thing, he’s tried to win the ball. Even if he’s caught the keeper a little bit, there’s no intent to hurt him or anything. So, I thought it was harsh.

“We’ll have to juggle it around [on Saturday]. Nothing changes there. How many times have I had to juggle the centre-halves situation this season already. I’m sure we’ll find a way.”