Charlton striker Conor Washington: Double dismissal was poor decision-making

Conor Washington is pleased to have striker partner Jayden Stockley back available as they head into a hectic December fixture schedule.

And the Charlton striker described it as “poor decision-making” by Stockley and Deji Oshilaja which led to the pair serving three-match bans.

Both players were dismissed in the fixture at Burton Albion last match after grappling with each other as a Charlton corner was taken.

Stockley announced his return with a goal from the spot in the Addicks’ 2-1 EFL Trophy win over Aston Villa U21s on Tuesday night. He has 11 goals in 21 appearances in the 2021-22 campaign.

Asked about the double dismissal, Washington told the South London Press: “It’s just a wrestling match. I don’t think there is a red card offence in there from either of them. It’s not great from either of them, it’s probably poor decision-making from both.

“But there is no real malice in it. It’s a case of who is stronger? I’d say Deji – he’s an animal. It could have been two yellows.

“It was heat of the moment. Deji is obviously worried about Jayden being a threat from set-pieces and wants to get hold of him, and Jayden is thinking ‘I need to get away from him so I can get my big head on it’.

“It was a disappointing one to lose him for three games because he’d been scoring goals, he’s a goalscorer and he had been doing well and a lot of our play in both boxes is built around his strengths.

“At the same time Josh [Davison] has come in and done well in a tough gig. He did well in a big game against Plymouth and then two tough away games. All credit to him.

“Jayden has got to get back into the team and prove his worth to us again, because we have missed him.”

See tomorrow’s South London Press for an interview with Washington.

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS