Portsmouth FA Cup favourite blasts FA decision not to overturn Jack Whatmough red card

Whatmough yesterday failed in his bid to overturn his sending off in the midweek 1-0 defeat to Lincoln.

An FA regulatory commission elected to let referee Sam Purkiss’ decision stand, with the centre-half now serving a three-match ban.

The decision was criticised by many Pompey fans – and ex-FA Cup final defender Rocha also weighed in.

In response to the unsatisfactory outcome, the man who made 97 appearances for the Blues tweeted: ‘That's just shambles!!

‘He went for the ball, that's all. In my opinion it was an honest challenge, even if they wanted the red to prevail, at least give him one game ban and move on.

‘Nowadays it's hard for defenders when they go with everything even though you always know when they go with intention or just for the ball.

‘It"s been very difficult for him but he will definitely learn from that, get better and keep growing.’

Rocha is certainly familiar with red cards – he was sent off twice in his opening three Pompey games.

Signed on a free transfer in February 2010, the former Portuguese international received his marching orders in his second outing – at Fratton Park against Sunderland.

Then, upon his return to the starting XI, he was dismissed in a 2-1 defeat at Burnley.

However, he would establish himself as a class act for the Blues, featuring in three divisions during his four Fratton Park seasons.

Rocha was also man of the match in the memorable April 2009 FA Cup semi-final win over Spurs at Wembley, while started the final versus Chelsea.

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