Accused Morgan could cost Moneys dear after ref '˜push'

Morgan was sent off after 24 minutes for a reckless tackle but has also been accused of pushing the official after the incident.

The 32-year-old, who served a nine-match ban in 2014 for successive red card offences, has been put under an immediate general suspension by Hampshire FA pending a disciplinary hearing.

Morgan would have been ruled out of last night’s Wessex League premier division contest at Salisbury, which was postponed 45 minutes before kick-off because of a frozen pitch.

Horndean’s Hampshire Senior Cup tie at Totton & Eling suffered the same fate as the big freeze took hold.

Moneys boss Dave Carter expects to be without midfielder Morgan possibly for the rest of the season.

‘I have seen the referee’s report which accuses Jake Morgan of stamping on their player’s thigh,’ said Carter.

‘We would contest that but the report also states our player also pushed the referee on the shoulder afterwards.

‘There was a lot of argy bargy going on.

‘He will now go up in front of the Hampshire FA disciplinary board and if found guilty can expect a six-month ban and a big fine.

‘It is likely to be the end of the season for him if that happens.’

It proved a disappointing 38th birthday for Carter after travelling to Wiltshire in vain.

Salisbury representative Mick Jenkins was similarly gutted for the ground staff who worked hard all day.

‘At 4pm our pitch was soft and we could get a fork into it,’ said Jenkins.

‘But in the three hours after that the temperatures plummeted.

‘There was a section underneath the stand that was frozen solid and player safety was paramount.’

Meanwhile, Bognor 
pulled off an FA Trophy upset by beating National League Altrincham 2-1 last night.

Craig Robson and James Crane netted for Ryman League premier division Rocks, who now face a third-round trip to Sutton United.