PARKER 'DISAPPOINTED' TO BE SHOWN RED CARD

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Clarets boss reflects on sending off following Tuesday night

2025-03-13T16:28:13.584Z

PARKER 'DISAPPOINTED' TO BE SHOWN RED CARD

Clarets boss reflects on sending off following Tuesday night

2025-03-13T16:28:13.584Z

Clarets boss reflects on sending off following Tuesday night

Speaking in Thursday's press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Swansea, Head Coach Scott Parker admitted he made a 'mistake' to approach referee Gavin Ward on Tuesday night following the 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion, but explained he wasn't aware it was in the rulebook.

The Clarets boss was shown a red card at the full-time whistle for attempting to speak to the official and the Club will now await confirmation of Parker's suspension following the decision from the FA Panel.

Parker confessed his disappointment to receive the red card, but was keen to clarify there was no foul or abusive language directed towards Ward.

"I think that from my side initially what transpired at the end of the game I wasn't fully aware of at the time. Obviously you see the commotion of practically 22 men and the commotion of what happened.

"My main focus at that moment was obviously trying to get some control of the situation and not let things escalate. Obviously the ref showed the red card then to CJ and I just didn't have any awareness of what had taken place really."

Parker continued: "I think it's fair to say that I apologised after the game to the referee in terms of me approaching him. I didn't realise you can't approach a referee at the full-time whistle.

"Now what I've been sent off for was not foul and abusive language or aggressive behaviour. I think it's very clear to everyone that wasn't the case.

"In fact I was in a bit of a calmer state really while there was a million things going on in my head and I was trying to process a lot of things. Never once was I abusive, used abusive language towards him or was in any way aggressive. I was just trying to find out exactly what the situation was and trying to get some clarification on that."

PARKER 'DISAPPOINTED' TO BE SHOWN RED CARD - Image 1

"Certainly at that moment I'm disappointed for many reasons and the way the game ended wasn't ideal for us at all and on my side that was certainly the case. So a bit harsh maybe and in the heat of the moment we should all think a little bit before we do things.

"But we're in a world of sport and sometimes the emotions step out of that. I don't think my emotions step out of it by the letter of the law. You can't approach a referee at the end of the game and for that yes I've made a mistake."

The Clarets' attention now turns towards Saturday's visit to Wales and Parker says his side will need to be the 'best version of themselves' to get a result from the managerless Swans.

"They (Swansea) have definitely changed a little bit in terms of the way they play and the way they go about things. I think there's probably been a bit of a shift, but you're right there's not a massive volume of games to go on, but there are some clear differences.

"But as always, we'll try and prep to the best we can. And again, we just need to bring the best version of ourselves at the weekend to get a result."