Millwall manager Ian Holloway believes Andy Wilkinson should not have been sent off in tonight’s 2-2 Den draw with Blackburn Rovers.
The Lions were reduced to 10-men just after the hour following Wilkinson’s challenge on Ben Marshall, an offence which drew a straight red card from referee Darren Deadman.
Holloway argues with the Blackburn management after Wilkinson is sent off
Blackburn broke the deadlock eight minutes before the break as Shane Duffy struck at the second attempt after his initial effort was blocked when meeting Marshall’s free-kick.
Within five minutes of Wilkinson’s dismissal it was 2-0, Rudy Gestate heading home from Tom Cairney’s free-kick to leave the 10-men staring defeat in the face.
But just like in the recent 3-0 comeback against Wolves here last month, the Lions went in search of an unlikely point with Lee Martin halving the deficit on 72 minutes with a clinical low drive from inside the box.
Holloway’s temper got the better of him on the touchline shortly afterwards and the Den chief was sent to the stands by Deadman for losing his rag.
Williams celebrates his stunning goal
That infuriated the home fans, but they were much happier two minutes from time when Shaun Williams’ stunning effort from outside the box flew past Jason Steele to rescue a share of the spoils.
Holloway said: “I’ve had a look at the tackle for the sending off for the read card. I’ve seen it – it is a good tackle.
“It might have looked worse than it was but it was a good tackle.
“He had one foot, he is an honest boy, he went in.
“They both were committed – and by the way the fella carried on after.”
It wasn’t the only questionable decision on a night of controversy at a soaking Den, with the boss admitting he should have led by example and not been sent off.
David Forde and Alan Dunne celebrate Williams' goal
Ollie said: “I’ve gone and let myself down. I thought their fella hand-balled it, not Gregory.
“He flicked it off of Gregory’s head and I just couldn’t believe it.
“I’ve said something to the fourth official and then he couldn’t control himself and he then sent me off.
“Then I get in the stand where I am supposed to be and then I have to leave the stand because the yellow card they gave their fella (Markus Olsson for a pulling back Alan Dunne) – that was it for me.
“So I went down in my office, managed to find my way back down, put the telly on, watched the scores coming up and jumped and nearly hit my head on the ceiling.
Shane Duffy opens the scoring for Blackburn
“I had a feeling it would happen because my boys have been fantastic but we’ve got to defend better.”
Holloway was then asked if he would be appealing against the red cards.
“Without a shadow of a doubt,” he replied.
“I’ve got to talk to (chief executive) Andy Ambler in a minute and I will be appealing absolutely everything that happened.”
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