Fairclough decides against appeal

Barnet manager Paul Fairclough has decided not to appeal against the sending off of Joe Devera in last Saturday's match against Hereford United.

"It was inconclusive", he said.

Devera was sent off for denying "a goalscoring opportunity"

This is from the Official Barnet Website:

Fairclough went to referee Gavin Ward's changing room half an hour after the Bees' 2-1 defeat by Hereford United to seek clarification on the red card for Devera - the first time the 20-year-old defender has been sent off, - the penalty award against Max Porter for handball and a disallowed "goal" by Sagi Burton

Fairclough said that the referee had waved play on when Devera tangled with Hereford striker Trevor Benjamin, but responded to an upraised flag from one of his assistants before dismissing the Barnet player. The assistant confirmed that he told his colleague - who was officiating as a Football League referee for the first time - that it was a red card offence as Devera had pulled the Hereford player back

The referee said that the handball had been given because the defender had two arms raised above his face; also that he had blown for an infringement by Burton before he headed the ball.

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