Danny Cowley gives verdict on if Portsmouth;s Jack Whatmough repeated Lincoln mistake for second straight red

Danny Cowley believes Jack Whatmough did not make the same mistake when handed his marching orders for the second time this season.
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The centre-back was given a straight red card in Pompey’s 1-0 defeat at MK Dons on Saturday.

Whatmough’s challenge on Charlie Brown in the 80th minute was adjudged as serious foul play by referee Martin Coy.

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As a result, the academy product must serve a four-match suspension, having been dismissed earlier in the campaign.

Cowley’s a big believer that players can make errors but it becomes a concern if they continue to repeat them.

However, Pompey’s head coach reckons Whatmough’s sending off against Lincoln shouldn’t have been given.

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But Cowley conceded he wasn’t surprised when the Gosport defender was shown a red card at Stadium MK.

The Milton Keynes Dons players react to a foul from Portsmouth FC defender Jack Whatmough (6) during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Milton Keynes Dons and Portsmouth at stadium:mk, Milton Keynes, England on 17 April 2021. Picture: Dennis GoodwinThe Milton Keynes Dons players react to a foul from Portsmouth FC defender Jack Whatmough (6) during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Milton Keynes Dons and Portsmouth at stadium:mk, Milton Keynes, England on 17 April 2021. Picture: Dennis Goodwin
The Milton Keynes Dons players react to a foul from Portsmouth FC defender Jack Whatmough (6) during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Milton Keynes Dons and Portsmouth at stadium:mk, Milton Keynes, England on 17 April 2021. Picture: Dennis Goodwin

He said: ‘I need to look at it back and see if it is a mistake or a harsh decision.

‘The one he got sent off for against Lincoln, I didn't think was a red card.

‘I had no emotional attachment there. I didn't think it was a red so I don't think he has made the same mistake, if I'm honest, because I thought that was harsh.

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‘But we know the rules. If you do leave the floor in this day and age then the referee's can't wait, they're so excited to be in the game.

‘I thought Jack took the ball but I knew as soon as he made it, I had that feeling.’

Whatmough will miss Pompey’s trip to Swindon on Tuesday, along with games against Bristol Rovers, Accrington and AFC Wimbledon.

He will return for the Blues’ final game of the season, which is against Accrington at Fratton Park on Sunday, May 9.

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In Whatmough’s absence, Rasmus Nicolaisen will come into the defence to partner Sean Raggett.

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