Groves And Gally Comment On The Ban

By: Richard Lord
Date: 24/02/2002

GRIMSBY Town manager Paul Groves revealed his anger to the Sports Telegraph over the refusal by the FA to overturn Tony Gallimore's three-match ban. As a result, the experienced left back will miss the games against Stockport, Crystal Palace and Gillingham.

"We're all very disappointed," said Groves. "The facts are that we spoke to the referee after a 48-hour cooling off period. By then he'd seen the video and, in his view, he felt that he would change his decision.

"When it went to appeal, the FA decided to stay with the original decision. It's very hard to accept, but they're the governing body and you have to get on with it."

The vital relegation clash between Grimsby and Walsall at Blundell Park on March 9 will signal the return of Gallimore, but in the meantime young Ben Chapman is expected to fill the gap.

Of the verdict Gallimore spoke: "I'm very disappointed really because there are some big games coming up. I was told that the ref sent me off for the tackle so I was quite optimistic they'd reduce the ban.

"The only good thing to come out of it is that the three games are all in a week, so I won't be out of action for too long. I won't lose too much time."

The former Carlisle full back admits the games in which he will be absent will prove a major test of character for the Mariners. Gally continued: "I hate watching and it's always frustrating. Tuesday against Stockport is a big game and we've got to win it.

"If we stay focussed and stick together we've got a chance of getting a run together."

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