Dean Smith still critical of appeals process
Walsall manager Dean Smith has questioned the FA appeals process - despite seeing captain Adam Chambers' red card at Shrewsbury Town overturned.
The Saddlers and their skipper were handed a timely boost yesterday, when it was confirmed his red card from Tuesday's FA Cup first round replay had been rescinded, meaning he will avoid a three-match ban.
Chambers had been shown a straight red card by referee for a challenge on Nathaniel Knight-Percival.
The club, in accordance with the appeal procedure, submitted video evidence of the incident in support of Chambers.
But, speaking before the appeal board's decision was announced, Smith admitted he is no fan of the whole process.
"I don't really agree with the system," he said. "I think, why not just show it to three referees the next day and ask their opinion?
"I think if you show that tackle to 10 referees, nine of the them will say it is not a red card, the tenth – Gavin Ward – will probably say it is.
"At the end of the day the referee has not done it on purpose but he has made a big mistake.
"He has not got a great angle for it and he has not given himself time to speak to the assistant who had a better angle."
Smith added: "We have this system in place where we have to appeal to the FA.
"Really, we would like to think the referee would look at it the next morning, hold his hands up and admit his mistake.
"Unfortunately, in our league, the referee has to go and work the following day. Maybe that is part of the problem we have, with some of the standards we get."
