Bristol Rovers boss Coughlan calls on FA to investigate ‘punch’ - 7M sport

Bristol Rovers boss Coughlan calls on FA to investigate ‘punch’



Posted Wednesday, February 20, 2019 by PA

Bristol Rovers boss Coughlan calls on FA to investigate ‘punch’

Bristol Rovers manager Graham Coughlan accused Portsmouth striker James Vaughan of punching captain Tom Lockyer during his side’s 1-1 draw at Fratton Park.

Coughlan had urged the Football Association to investigate the second-half incident after it was missed by referee Neil Hair.

Coughlan said: “It’s a shocker. He has swung. He’s punched him. Anthony Joshua would have been proud of it.

“I’m disappointed the referee didn’t see it but hopefully the authorities will look at it because it was naughty.

“I’m all for physical contact but that was below the belt. Hopefully the FA won’t ignore it just because we are little old Bristol Rovers.”

The clash between Vaughan and Lockyer came after Rovers striker Jonson Clarke-Harris had scored one penalty before missing another.

Clarke-Harris gave Rovers the lead eight minutes before half-time after being tripped by Tom Naylor’s clumsy challenge.

Pompey were gifted a 58th minute equaliser when defender James Clarke headed a Ronan Curtis cross into his own net.

Clarke-Harris passed up the chance to turn one point into three when he blazed a second penalty over the bar following Jamal Lowe’s foul on Clarke.

Coughlan added: “We should have won the game. We had enough chances to win the game. It is an opportunity missed. I feel we have lost two points.

“We have come to one of the promotion-chasing teams, who will probably get promoted but I felt we were the better team.

“The disappointing thing for me tonight is when we had the ball and chances to break, the final ball, the killer pass wasn’t quite there.

“All in all its an away point at Portsmouth so at the end of the day it’s a positive result.

“It is a shame Jonson didn’t take the second penalty with the same confidence as the first. I think the ball is still travelling.”

Portsmouth are without a win in seven matches and manager Kenny Jackett said: “Drawing four games on the spin is a frustration but it shows there is character there not to get beaten in those games.

“We are on 60 points now and want to find that sprint finish. If we can win one, I think we can go on a big run.

“It is all about changing momentum. I have trust in my players who have won so many games for us this season.

“We have to keep going, have to keep believing in ourselves. We are looking for a big win to spark us off.

“You are always concerned as a manager and looking where you can improve. We are looking forward and trying to capitalise on what has been a good season for us so far.”

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