BOWYER BLOOD BOILS OVER RED
ANGRY Charlton boss Lee Bowyer felt an ‘unjust’ red card for his top scorer Chuks Aneke made all the difference as his side fell to a late-goal defeat at home to Gillingham.
Aneke once again found the back of the net, but with the score at 2-2 with 20 minutes remaining, the striker picked up a pair of yellow cards in quick succession.
Down to 10 men, the Addicks eventually went behind for a third and decisive time, with Bowyer left to rue the red.
“The red card, it comes down to that,” he blasted. “It was a poor start again by us, but I thought we were composed and got back into the game, and we created a lot of chances.
“I thought we were on top for a large period of that game. We moved the ball well, competed well. If you don’t have that harsh red card, we go on and win the game.”
Bowyer then went on to hit out at opposite number Steve Evans and his coaching team, accusing them of influencing the outcome via major incidents, such as Aneke’s second booking. “Their staff on the sidelines intimidate officials. They’re good at that. Whenever we play them they get a big decision.” he argued. And Bowyer was booked for angrily confronting an official, which he felt was inconsistent with the lack of discipline for Evans.
“I was booked for shouting at the official,” clarified Bowyer. “I did not swear at him. But Steve was shouting and swearing all match and didn’t get punished.”
It took just 30 seconds for the Gills to strike, with a long ball badly cleared and Olly Lee curling home from outside the penalty area. Aneke drew the hosts level after 15 minutes when a slip from Stuart O’Keefe allowed Liam Millar to set the striker up from close range. The visitors withstood a sustained period riod of pressure before going ahead again courtesy of Connor Ogilvie’s stunning 25-yard volley. Charlton equalised a second time in the 52nd minute when Jayden Stockley headed home Andrew Shinnie’s floated cross. Aneke was then sent off with 20 minutes remaining for a second yellow card in quick succession as tempers flared throughout the closing stages.
But captain Kyle Dempsey kept his cool and reaped the benefits of the man advantage, skipping through to drive home the decisive goal in the 86th minute – much to the delight of his manager.
“We scored three really good goals,” said Evans. “Kyle Dempsey delivers a piece of magic at the end.
“I reminded the players at ten to three that the away end would normally be bouncing, and the fans would be watching. The good start settled us. “Tuesday at home to Peterborough is an opportunity for us to get back-to-back wins. But this is a great feeling.”