Page 4 - Keynsham Town Ladies programme

KEYNSHAM TOWN LADIES 4
Secretary’s Notes

Last week we had a player red carded and sent off for no discernible
reason. We were so appalled and shocked by this decision that we
decided to appeal.

There are only two grounds for appeal, one is mistaken identity and
the other is that a clear and obvious error was made, so we opted for
the latter. An intent to appeal has to be lodged by the Tuesday and full
evidence must be gathered and submitted to your County FA by the
Thursday. County put it to a disciplinary committee who make a
decision by the weekend. Sadly our appeal failed and the player has a
3 match ban starting today. Had the player punched someone she
would have had no worse punishment.

At no time did the referee have to make a report, not even to the
disciplinary committee, and did not even have to see or comment on
our appeal evidence. There is the possibility the referee may have
changed her mind if she had. After all she changed it once already
when upgrading to a red card. So with just one letter and one number
and no explanation our player is condemned for violent conduct, which
in the opinion of all at the match it never was. Although it was obvious
to all of us that a mistake had been made it was not clear and obvious
to the disciplinary committee and their decision is final with no further
right of appeal.

In a court of law evidence has to be produced against you. This does
not happen in football. It is up to you to prove your innocence. This
seems to me to be totally unjust and unfair when the punishment is so
draconian. In my opinion the system is seriously flawed and inhumane
and has left our young player extremely upset. This does nothing for
the respect campaign which we are all keen to promote.

Front cover photo:
Lily Reed plays a pass against Southampton Women
(Women’s Soccer Scene).