Taylor Defends Captain

Last updated : 22 October 2003 By Andy Beill

After being booked for a 5th minute challenge on Glenn Whelan, Ashbee was shown his second yellow by referee Mr. Curson in stoppage time. However, Peter Taylor says that his captain didn't dive when Danny Swailes brought him down in the penalty area.

"I thought the sending off was very harsh. You've got to be very sure when you send a player off for something like that.

"When the referee blew, I honestly thought it was a penalty - and I'm sure Bury did as well. I wouldn't have gone berserk if I'd been the opposition manager and a penalty had been given.

"Ash is not a diver and the one thing in the defensive coaching manual is that you should always stand up in your own box. The Bury defender did not stand up and Ash says there was a slight touch on him.

"I've spoken to the referee and I'll be interested to see the incident on video but it's gone now. It's history."

The 27-year-old midfielder will serve a one-match suspension for the red card, in addition to the match he'll miss after picking up his 5th yellow card of the season on Saturday. This rules him out of the league game against Macclesfield and the LDV Trophy clash with Scunthorpe, before returning for the FA Cup First Round. The draw for that competition will be made on Saturday after the final qualifiers.