Seeing Red

ARGYLE manager John Sheridan has labelled defender Maxime Blanchard’s red card during the 2-0 home loss to Oxford United as ‘pathetic.’

The French central defender was given his marching orders in the 50th minute of the Sky Bet League 2 encounter for a pull on Oxford striker Dave Kitson.

Having been booked in the first half, referee Mick Russell had little option but to brandish a second yellow and, ultimately, a red.

“It’s an absolutely pathetic sending-off.” said John, after the game, who cited Max’s positioning for leading to the foul that produced a second yellow card.

“He caught himself out from a throw-in,” said John. “He wasn't organised. I don’t want to speak to him; I’d lose my rag.”

Blanchard’s dismissal was the fourth that Argyle have received this season, with fellow defenders Curtis Nelson and Neal Trotman, and midfielder Andres Gurrieri, also seeing red.

With the score already at 1-0 to the visitors, the red card was the last thing that the Pilgrims needed and caused John to rethink his plans.

“It’s absolutely stupid,” he said. “I was just about to put three subs on there at once. That’s happened before with Andres at Rochdale."

The Frenchman will miss the Pilgrims’ next game away to Bury on Good Friday.