Elgin City record rare success in double-appeal against red cards


Video evidence has led to a referee admitting that he may have made a few mistakes in showing red cards to two Elgin City players in a match at Borough Briggs.

Elgin City – one of a very few SPFL 2 clubs who have used video analysis at their games – launched a double appeal against red cards shown to Sean Crighton and Jamie Duff in last Saturday’s league match at Borough Briggs.

After reviewing the evidence match referee David Somers, who retires from the game when the season draws to a close next month, admitted that he had perhaps been over harsh in issuing red cards to the players.

The controversial decisions changed the match in favour of Berwick Rangers, who were a goal behind when Crighton was sent off for a tackle close to the touchline just before half-time. Shortly after the start of the second half Duff was then shown a red card for deliberate hand ball – Berwick scored from the penalty spot and went on to win 3-1 against nine-man City.

Elgin City boss Barry Wilson said: “It is great news that both Jamie and Sean will now be able to play in our game this weekend after all.

“I am glad the club backed my judgement and went for the appeals – the referee had a look at them again and realised he had probably made a couple of mistakes.

“At least he was big enough to admit that – it is a bit of compensation to have the players available for Saturday but will not of course give us back the points we lost.”

See video footage below of both incidents courtesy of Elgin City TV.

Elgin City Red Cards from insideMoray & Elgin City TV.

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