Gloves are off after controversial Harvell dismissal (From Thisisdorset)

Gloves are off after controversial Harvell dismissal

7:00am Tuesday 11th December 2012 in Latest Sport By Neil Perrett

MIFFED Wimborne goalkeeper Jason Harvell believes the FA should have a re-think of their disciplinary procedures after becoming the victim of a bizarre sending off.

Harvell received a straight red card after throwing one of his gloves at Mangotsfield striker Ryan Bath during an incident-packed Southern League clash in Bristol on Saturday.

The Magpies stopper reacted angrily after Bath had caught him on the hand during a challenge, with referee Kevin Morris confirming Harvell had been dismissed for violent conduct.

Although the offence carries a three-match suspension, Wimborne officials have said they may consider lodging an appeal once they have reviewed video footage of the incident.

FA laws clearly state a player is guilty of violent conduct if he uses “excessive force or brutality” against an opponent when not challenging for the ball.

Harvell told the Daily Echo: “There were no excuses for the way I reacted. I took off my glove because I thought my hand may have been badly damaged. Then, in the heat of the moment, I threw it at their player.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the punishment did not fit the crime. It was a lightweight, foam glove and, although I threw it in his direction, it didn’t hit him or go anywhere near him. It was ridiculous.

“Their player lunged at me from five yards when the ball was pretty much in my hands. I thought the tackle was dangerous but the referee didn’t seem too worried about it.

“I didn’t react particularly well but I thought the tackle warranted a red card. I certainly felt it was a lot more dangerous than me throwing a glove at someone. He could have broken my arm.”

Harvell, a flooring fitter, added: “I thought the referee should have looked on the situation for what is was. Sometimes, the rules get in the way of a bit of common sense.

“I have seen players push people in the face with both hands and get only a yellow card. There needs to be some consistency.”

Harvell sustained a badly bruised right hand during the incident and faces a late fitness test ahead of Wimborne’s Dorset Senior Cup quarter-final against Dorchester at Cuthbury tonight (7.45pm).

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Hereford-based referee Morris said he felt Harvell had “lost the plot”.

He added: “He got quite aggressive, took off his glove and threw it at the player.”

Morris said the offence had to be dealt with the same way as if a player had punched an opponent or thrown the ball at another player.

Magpies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Cole, Costello, Blake, Hubbard, Gill, Webb, Smith, Jeffes, Davidson, Roast, Sainsbury, Kemble, Maybury, Mogg, Ackerman.