Pirates fail in bid to overturn red card for skipper Coutts

BRISTOL Rovers’ appeal to have Paul Coutts’ red card at Rochdale overturned has been unsuccessful with the FA upholding the original decision and four-game suspension.

Rovers will now be without their captain for Saturday’s crucial game against Scunthorpe United, and then either the entirety of the play-off campaign or the first three games of next season, depending on what unfolds.

Coutts was dismissed in stoppagetime for violent conduct after an off-the-ball incident with a Rochdale player.

It was his second sending off of the campaign, after Mansfield Town on the opening day of the season, meaning the Scot’s suspension increased from three to four games.

Coutts’ misdemeanour wasn’t captured by any of the broadcast cameras, with the match streamed on iFollow and highlights later shown on Quest, but the Bristol Post understands that despite Rovers’ attempts the FA have deemed there is “insufficient evidence” for referee Ross Joyce’s decision to be overturned.

Veteran Glenn Whelan is now expected to start on Saturday in place of Coutts alongside Sam Finley at the base of midfield.

It is a blow for the Gas as Coutts has been among Rovers’ best performers and most consistent players since the turn of the year, plus an influential on-field leader, but it will become far more significant should Rovers need the play-offs to reach League One.

Joey Barton’s side can secure automatic promotion on Saturday with a win - providing Northampton Town fail to beat Barrow or Rovers can outscore the Cobblers margin of victory by five goals when they take on already-relegated Scunthorpe United.

But one of Northampton, Mansfield, Port Vale, Swindon Town, Sutton United or Tranmere Rovers could await in the play-offs, should the Gas not claim third place, obviously representing far stronger and more challenging opposition.

Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth insists the whole squad are “buzzing” as they prepare for the first leg of their Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final against MK Dons at Adams Park tonight.

The Chairboys finished above Plymouth on the final day of the regular campaign to snatch sixth place following eight wins from an unbeaten 12-game run.