West Ham Chairman David Gold has confirmed that West Ham are likely to appeal James Tomkins red card he received in Malta against Birkirkara on Thursday evening.
Speaking on twitter Gold said “We are looking at video evidence and its most likely that we will appeal Tomkins red card. dg”
Birkirkara player Vukanac tussled with Tomkins and the West Ham defender reacted by throwing his marker to the ground, leaving Vukanac writhing unconvincingly on the ground. The referee was sold on Vukanac play acting though. When he finally got to his feet,Vukanac was shown a yellow card, but Tomkins, who did not help himself by continuing to argue while the players was on the field, was shown a red card.
Make your own minds up from the video footage below
From what I have seen from different slow motions this was just one of many bad decisions by this Ref we had five shouts for pen of which 2 were pens 1 was close ever way the others he got right just,
I suppose we are playing rubbish so FIFA think we only need rubbish Refs,
He will get 3 match ban,but with 5 other Center halfs plus Kouyate we just about have it covered,
The sending off was a joke but we don’t want to encourage our players to start diving every time they are touched.. Tonks was silly to react & should be professional enough to ignore it. Thats two players in 3 games who have retaliated & got themselves sent off.
Vukanac had both arms around Tonks and tried to usher him out of the area ( right in front of the ref ), who ignored it. Tonks only crime was to try to free himself. If he had got a yellow it would of been harsh.
The players need to learn that this is typical of Europa / champions leagues and avoid it. Tonks should have dived on the florr and took Vulanac with him; he might have got a penalty.