Cards don't fall Tigers' way

August 19 2009

Shepparton News

Cobram Soccer Club is set to lose key midfielder-defender Carl Fannon for its do-or-die Goulburn North East Football Association clash with Cobram Victory due to suspension.

The Tigers are adamant Fannon was not yellow-carded in its 2-2 draw with Shepparton South at the weekend, match referee Brian Campbell, however, has confirmed to the league the former best and fairest was booked.

Confirmation of the yellow card from Campbell takes Fannon to three for the season, meaning he receives a one-match suspension and will not be eligible to play against Victory at Cobram Showgrounds this weekend.

The match is critical to both teams as they and Tatura all enter the last round trying to grab the one remaining place in the top four.

Victory currently holds fourth place with 22 points from Tatura, which plays Shepparton South on Sunday, and Cobram both on 20.

Cobram coach Rocky Papalia said he was of the belief Fannon had not been booked and that his team had also only received four yellow cards at the weekend and not five.

Papalia said the club would look at its options to get to the bottom of the matter.

Association secretary Sam Saracino said the league was satisfied with Campbell's account of the match, but was still in the process of talking to the assistant referees.

Cobram president Craig Allemand was disappointed to learn of Fannon's suspension and said the club's focus remained on winning Sunday's match.

The yellow card debate has added to the association's list of off-field situations to resolve, last night a misconduct tribunal for Shepparton fielding of a player not on the team sheet in round 14 was heard.