Power sorry after second red card
Apologetic Max Power will miss the next five Sunderland games after seeing red in the 2-1 win over Bradford City.
It was Power’s second red of the season and Sunderland’s third following Bryan Oviedo’s against Peterborough.
Jack Ross admitted it was difficult to defend Power’s actions after he kicked out but insists there is no lack of discipline in his squad.
Power, wearing the captain’s armband, was sent off after 66 minutes for kicking out at Ryan McGowan. There was no contact but referee Anthony Backhouse rightly deemed it a straight red.
Jon McLaughlin spared Power’s blushes from the resulting penalty and Sunderland managed to hold on for a big win.
Ross confirmed an appeal is unlikely and Power will now serve a four-game league ban, while he also won’t be able to play against Carlisle United in the Checkatrade Trophy tomorrow night.
Ross said: “I didn’t see it at the time but we understood from the fourth official that it was a kick out. I have watched it and it is a kick out.
“There is no contact but in fairness to them, they don’t react in any
way other than to draw the referee’s attention to it.
“They don’t pretend to have been caught by it. The ref was looking straight at it too. There was zero contact but it was a kick out.
“When you do that, then you give the referee a decision to make.”
Ross added: “It is that fine balance on the pitch between being absolutely determined to take this club forward as Max is and remaining in control of your emotions too.
“Every player that is a proper player will walk that line all the time. He has to make sure he stays the right side of it.
“The two [red cards] this week are difficult for me to defend them as a manager. I won’t come out and be massively critical of my players publicly, it is something you have to improve upon as they are avoidable.”
Sunderland are unlikely to appeal.
Ross added: “Not from what I’ve watched. I have only watched it very quickly a couple of times but the counter argument will be there was an intent from kicking out, not great in that respect.
“Max is an adult and so am I, we deal with it accordingly through the week. It is a blow for us as he is an important player, and a blow for him. We have to make sure it is not replicated.”
Power apologised afterwards: “Sorry to the players, staff and fans who travelled in great numbers for my actions. I was being trodden on and I’ve reacted in the worst possible way which is resulted in a red card. I’m gutted and take full responsibility for my actions.
“I play with my heart on my sleeve and I’m desperate for us as a club to have a successful season. I’ll learn from this and do my best to make sure it never happens again.”