'Common sense has prevailed' as Rendall red card is downgraded
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The red card shown to Owen Rendall during Wick Academy's Highland League match at Buckie has been downgraded to a yellow.
Academy's appeal against the decision – described by manager Gary Manson after the game as "a nonsense of a sending off" – was partially upheld by the Scottish Football Association fast-track tribunal process.
The Scorries were 3-2 behind at Victoria Park on Saturday and pushing for an equaliser when the 25-year-old Orcadian defender was given his marching orders by referee Harry Bruce. There were about 15 minutes to go at the time and Buckie ended up winning 5-2.
The incident involving Rendall and Buckie's Max Barry happened after Academy were awarded a free kick.
Manson denied that Rendall had been guilty of violent conduct. The manager's view was that Rendall had merely "brushed away" Barry with an arm after the Buckie player "came barging into him".
Speaking after the appeal decision, Manson said: "Common sense has prevailed. It doesn't get away from the fact the red card potentially cost us points on Saturday but we're glad the correct decision has been made now and no ban will have to be served."
Marc Macgregor gave Academy a fifth-minute lead but Buckie were 3-1 up at the break after goals by Josh Peters, Jack Murray and Jack MacIver.
Jack Halliday reduced the deficit early in the second half.
After the red cars, Buckie made sure of the points safe with goals from Peters, again, and Sam Morrison.
