CITY sound like they are considering an appeal over Emmanuel Osadebe’s red card at Grimsby.

Osadebe was dismissed right near the end of the 2-1 win at Blundell Park in the Football League Trophy last night after a skirmish with Harvey Rodgers.

The City midfielder, who had scored the decisive goal with a superb solo effort, rushed to get involved after the Grimsby centre half lunged into the back of Chishom Afoka and appeared to shove him into the floor.

“It got blown way out of proportion in the end as footballers do,” said caretaker boss Kevin McDonald – who played 81 minutes.

 

 

“We got told he was sent off for grabbing him by his throat. That’s what the fourth official said.

“First and foremost, the guy smashes Chis and then puts his head in the ground.

“It’s a frustrating one. When you watch it back, Manny grabs him by his chest.

“You shouldn’t grab him but it’s in the moment and he’s trying to protect his friend. Their players get involved and it kicks off.

“It’s a bad challenge and you can’t put Chis’ head in the ground. That’s why Manny reacted.

“We’ve seen it from the best angle and hopefully that goes on the report.

“In my eyes it was never a sending off but we’ll see what comes.”

It is understood Osadebe’s suspension would only affect the Trophy and not impact League Two. But City may be prepared to take it further.

“I don’t exactly know how that process works,” admitted McDonald. “I’ve only been on the receiving end as a player.

“But I guess we’ll find out.”

McDonald made nine changes from Saturday, including a first City appearance in over five years for Colin Doyle in goal. Ciaran Kelly scored the opener after a knockdown by Ash Taylor.

McDonald added: “We had a lot of people who had been out for a while and you’ve got to get games to impress.

“I thought everyone put on a good show and bought into what we wanted to do. Again, we created a lot of chances – we gave away a few but that’s going to happen.

“It was plain to see what we’ve been working on and it was a good performance.

“Sometimes, you can come into these games and mentally not be fully on it. But I thought they applied themselves spot on.

“We could have played the same 11 from Saturday and keep going. But I thought it was the right thing to do.

“We’ve got a big squad and I wanted to give people a chance. We’ve got a good squad and anyone who comes in is going to do a job.

“If you look at the team sheet, it was strong. Nobody did themselves any harm.”