Combative central midfielder Bentley was red carded at Layer Road 108 minutes into the highly-charged encounter against local rivals Colchester United in the first round of the Southern Section of the LDV Vans Trophy. His offence appeared to be stepping on U’s left-back Stephen Hunt’s head as the defender attempted to effect a dangerous sliding tackle with his studs showing, but incredibly it was deemed deliberate and the 26-year-old left the field ahead of Blues dramatic penalty shoot-out triumph.
On Friday afternoon the FA deferred the decision over Southend’s appeal until this afternoon, and it appeared that the chances of a rescinding of the sending off were good, especially since Canvey Island had successfully appealed to the same organisation over Steve Ward’s dismissal four days earlier. Bentley himself was more pessimistic, explaining that he had argued with the referee after the match, who appeared adamant that it was an unfair act.
However, after deliberation today, the FA have come back with a negative response, backing the decision of their referee. “We appealed today and it was unsuccessful”, Tilson carefully told the official club website, www.southendunited.co.uk. “To lose Mark for three games is a big blow”, he continued, “I’m disappointed with the outcome but now this will give a chance to another player to come in and impress me”.
Former Gravesend & Northfleet player Bentley will sit out the games against Boston United (this Friday) and Swansea City (next Saturday) at Roots Hall, as well as the following Tuesday’s clash with Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park, in a time when he has been in the form of his life.
In a candid chat with the official website, he said, “I’m really disappointed. At the time I thought it was a really harsh sending-off. The ref saw it wrong and the people at the FA have obviously seen it wrong as well”. He will now watch Lewis Hunt, Jimmy Corbett and Michael Kightly fight it out for his spot in the side before a possible return against Shrewsbury Town on Saturday September 23rd at Gay Meadow.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com