A STORM of protest has erupted over the sending-off of Kendal Town midfielder Michael Cole in the 4-2 defeat at Matlock Town in midweek, writes Richard Daniels.

The row comes as Town host Matlock again tomorrow (Saturday) in their final home match of the season, still in search of one more win to ensure their future in Premier Division football.

Town are incensed that Cole was shown a straight red after he and the referee tripped over each other as the midfielder was running back from a corner, watching the ball.

Town secretary Craig Campbell told the Gazette: "I was disappointed to come away from Matlock on Tuesday night following a defeat, but once again we were left talking about another poor refereeing performance.

"Firstly, we had Neil Murphy sent off for a supposed two-footed challenge, which was a case of both players competing for the ball, but the referee saw fit to pull a straight red card, which astonished the Kendal bench.

"The second sending-off of Michael Cole was the most bizarre I have seen in my 16 years as secretary of Kendal Town FC.

"Michael had taken the corner, which the keeper had collected. He then ran to get back in position and the keeper took a quick goal kick.

"While the ball was in flight, Michael and the referee tangled feet and, although neither person ended up in a heap on the floor, the referee immediately produced a red card and dismissed the player for deliberately tripping him up.

"I could not believe what I was seeing and, to add insult to injury, the Matlock bench were also shouting at the referee that he had made a mistake and Michael had simply clashed with him as they were both running back.

"Our manager Lee Ashcroft was also sent off for simply asking three times "Why have you sent him off". On the third time of asking he was told: "You might as well join him."

"After talking to the FA and, taking into consideration that we have no video evidence, I was told that we could not appeal.

"I explained to the FA that I could produce independent witness statements from officials of Matlock Town I was told that this would not be possible.

"I only hope that the FA take into consideration Michael's disciplinary record this season and give him the minimum ban possible, but sadly the people who are in these positions tend to back the officials without giving clubs a fair hearing of all the facts."