Charlton Athletic boss Ben Garner not expecting touchline ban but won’t contest FA charges

Charlton Athletic manager Ben Garner will not be appealing his two FA charges but has added that he does not feel his conduct merits a touchline ban.

The Addicks boss was sent off in the second half of last Saturday’s 4-4 draw against Ipswich at The Valley.

Garner has until later today to respond to the charges from the governing body, who reviewed the referee’s report before taking action.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been dismissed, so it was a new experience,” said the Charlton chief. “I still don’t know what I was actually cautioned for and sent off for, because in my mind I didn’t do anything untoward – no abusive language or aggression in what I said.

“But I have to take responsibility for my actions after that. So in terms of the charges brought against me, I have to accept those. I have to learn from those and just hope other people do the same in terms of their performance and what they did in the game.

“The flipside to that, the positive if you like, is that I had such a strong connection with the supporters and the energy that moment created. The bond I felt with them at that moment was incredible, so on that side of things there were positives to take out of it as well.”

Asked by the South London Press if he expected to be allowed on the touchline for tomorrow’s FA Cup game against Coalville, Garner replied: “I don’t know, I’ve not been sent off before. I would see it as a low-level case. I don’t think there is much severity to it.

“I apologise for my actions and take responsibility for what I did after getting sent off. I wouldn’t envision a touchline ban, or anything of that severity, but I’ll be submitting my response today and waiting to hear from the FA as to the action that will be taken.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD