Executive Decision

ARGYLE manager Derek Adams watched the second half of the Pilgrims’ 1-1 Sky Bet League One match against Southend United from one of the decommissioned executive boxes in the Home Park grandstand.

Derek was dismissed by referee John Busby just before half-time, along with his Southend counterpart Chris Powell, after the two clashed following a coming-together between Argyle forward Ryan Taylor and visiting defender Jason Demetriou. 

Demetriou, who had just scored a penalty to level Graham Carey’s earlier spot-kick opener, did not get up after challenging with Taylor, which led to the benches and players from both sides, including Southend forward Simon Cox, becoming embroiled in heated exchanges. 

Derek said: “The right-back, Demetriou, went down holding his face after going up for the ball with Ryan Taylor; he decided to stay down extremely long. 

“Simon Cox then decided to move across and say something to the fourth official. I then told Simon Cox to shut up; then Chris Powell decided to get himself involved. 

“I have come out my technical area – that will probably be the reason I have been sent to the stand but, other than a player coming towards myself, having a go at the fourth official in the way he did and what he was accusing one of my players of doing, and me telling him to shut up, [it] is not bad.” 

With the grandstand not being used by supporters this season, Derek was able to watch from there while assistant-manager Paul Wotton took charge of the side. 

Derek said: “We spoke about the substitutions at half-time and went from there.”