Reading FC

Royals study footage of Jobi fracas

By Jonny Fordham
February 26, 2010

Reading are still considering appealing Jobi McAnuff’s post-match red card at West Bromwich, writes JONNY FORDHAM.

The 28-year-old winger was involved in a scuffle with Baggies midfielder Youssuf Mulumbu after the final whistle and shown a straight red for violent conduct as his side ran out 3-2 winners in extra time.

If Royals’ appeal is successful, McAnuff will be available for tomorrow’s game with Sheffield Wednesday.

However, if they fail, McAnuff will miss the Wednesday clash, the FA Cup quarter-final tie with Aston Villa a week on Sunday and the visit of Derby County in the Championship on March 10.

McAnuff told getreading: “It’s just one of those things that happen in football and at this stage I don’t want to say too much about it. I know if it does stand and I do miss out then people are waiting to take their chance and step up.”

Manager Brian McDermott has also spoken to referee Lee Mason about the incident, which is being investigated by the FA, and has been studying the video footage with his staff.

He explained: “We’re looking at it and will assess it after we see all of the video evidence.

“One of their guys instigated the problem by kicking the ball at Jobi and then grabbed him. Jobi protected himself and then a lot of the stewards came onto the pitch unnecessarily.

“It was unsavoury to say the least. It was upsetting at the end. Stewards, by definition, are there to look at both sets of supporters and players. I had a word with the referee and he said he will be putting something in his report.”

Royals will again be without Jem Karacan, who had an operation on his hand after breaking it at Blackpool, while Brynjar Gunnarson (dead leg) is also a doubt.

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Most recent user comments 6 of 6

West Brom stewards yet again causing problems. I went there last in about 95 and they were an aggressive and odd bunch then. They had no need to enter the field of play other than their usual duty of surrounding/protection to the ref and his assistants, maybe the standard of stewarding at WBA should be investigated by the authorities?

RYF, Royal County of Berkshire
26/02/2010 at 18:12

McAnuff banned for 3 games and charged.

If Mulumbu isn't also charged then there is no justice - he is a comedy player and pretty much started the trouble.

Robsy , Reading
26/02/2010 at 16:12

Reading Baggie

I doubt it somehow -- you lost, get over it & have a nice weekend!

Robsy , Reading
26/02/2010 at 14:32

Looks more like Reading will be hit hard by the FA. I can see MCinuff getting a lengthy ban

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5983042,00.html?

Reading Baggie
26/02/2010 at 13:55

C'mon all you journo's, where's the headline demanding a Stewards Enquiry?

Coach , Reading
26/02/2010 at 13:08

The stewards acted like complete morons, to be frank. One sided, jobsworth, not up to the job (not-up-to-the-jobsworth? oh well) braindead, agressive, thuggish morons. Stewards? Couldn't even spelll it, let alone know what the role entails. West Brom should sack them now.